How do I navigate through all of the Medicare HMO's to find the best policies, and where can I get a list of those policies offered in my area?

Lilliput, if only there was someone with the time we caregivers don't have to start a letter writing campaign. It would be a strong start, anyway. :)

PCVS: I agree 1000%. Naturopathy and western medicine should be working in harmony so that patients receive the best of both. I have only lived in one state where my insurance company covered naturopathy. The state I live in now will not allow naturopaths to be licensed and/or practice. So much for choice! The focus of naturopathy is wellness and prevention. Of course that is antithetical to western medicine whose focus is "cure" oriented - with an empahsis on pills and surgery. Every time I ask new doctors about how they feel about natural methods, especially for minor ailments, I get a blank stare. But I think that is changing. Patients, starting with my generation, do not accept whatever an MD says as the only solution.
There is an arrogance in our medical community concerning wellness; as if it has nothing to do with health. Doctors find it easier to write a Rx for a drug with thousands of side effects rather than take the time to listen to his or her patients.
The best thing we can do is be good consumers. If a doctor does not listen to you, or help you follow a healthy regimen that you have chosen, move on. There are really great doctors out there...it is just a matter of finding them.
We also need to make our voices heard by writing to insurance companies, Medicare, and any other insuring body and demand a choice.

How can we convince Medicare (and Medicaid) to cover Naturopaths as an alternative to standard internists?

On the front page of http://www.mymedicare.gov/ it says, "Begin the registration process." Click on that and register. You need the Social Security number. Then, you will follow what they tell you to do. There should be a number to call if you have trouble, but there are long waits, so the more you can do on the Web the better. I know it's frustating, but there's no way around it.

If you have a friend who has been through the process, that would help. Otherwise, you may have to call you local Social Security office and see if you can get Medicare help.

Good luck. I know it's frustrating.
Carol

how can i get start

http://www.mymedicare.gov/ is probably your best source of information. They have improved it lately and they offer Medicare D drug plans, etc. I'd go there and get the personal information entered so they can help you.

Carol