The Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OANP) filed a class action lawsuit in federal court against Health Net Health Plan of Oregon, Inc. (Health Net) and their contracted benefits provider American Specialty Health (ASH), alleging unlawful and discriminatory practices.

OANP executive director, Laura Farr explains: The lawsuit was filed on behalf of naturopathic physicians and their patients who allege that Health Net discriminates against Oregon licensed naturopathic physicians by denying claims for services provided by Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) that are otherwise covered when delivered by a different medical provider. The "Non Discrimination in Health Care" section of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as "Section 2706" (42 U.S.C. § 300gg-5), prohibits insurance carriers from discriminating against health care providers acting within the scope of their license.