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?

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

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

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 i get start

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. :)