For beneficiaries with certain health conditions, Medicare fully covers medical nutrition therapy (MNT) services. However, this requires a referral from a doctor. We’re here with the information you need to know before you seek a nutritionist appointment with Medicare coverage.
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Does Medicare Cover Nutrition Counseling?
Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy (MNT) services at 100% for individuals with the following qualifications.
- Are diabetic
- Have kidney disease
- Had a kidney transplant during the past 36 months
Full coverage from Medicare requires a referral from your doctor. This service receives complete coverage because coinsurance and the Medicare Part B deductible do not apply. Those with kidney disease who receive dialysis at a dialysis facility receive Medicare coverage for MNT services as part of their overall care.
People with the above conditions can benefit from assessments of their nutrition and lifestyle, as well as follow-up visits to oversee their progress. For these services, they will need to visit a Registered Dietician. Visits may happen one-on-one or in a group setting. MNT services are also available over telehealth. In the first year, Medicare covers three hours of MNT. During the following years, it will cover two hours each year. Keep in mind that the provider must accept Medicare assignment.
Does Medicare Cover Nutrition Therapy for Obesity?
If you happen to be medically obese (with a BMI of 30 or higher), Medicare Part B will cover obesity screenings and behavioral counseling for you. As far as nutrition counseling, you must have at least one of the above comorbidities (diabetes or kidney disease) to qualify. MNT services can help manage your diabetes and your weight.
Does Medicare Advantage Cover Medical Nutrition Therapy?
Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) serve as a replacement for Medicare Parts A and B. As Medicare Part B fully covers nutrition therapy for those who qualify, Medicare Advantage plans must provide this same coverage. To get a referral for nutrition therapy, it makes the most financial sense to visit a doctor within your Advantage plan’s network.
FAQs
Get Help Understanding Nutritionist Coverage Under Medicare
If you’re on Medicare and have diabetes or kidney disease, it’s very helpful to know that you can get full coverage for medical nutrition therapy. Further, we are here to help if you have more questions. Please call the number above to speak to a licensed insurance representative today, or fill out our online rate form if you’re interested in additional coverage for your Medicare.
Will Medicare cover the cost of a nutritionist or a dietitian since I have gastroparesis caused by a hiatel hernia surgery? My doctor has seen a referral but the hospital says I am not covered.
Hi Brenda. Medicare Part B does cover nutrition therapy services from a registered dietician, however coverage depends on if you have certain health conditions. These conditions are diabetes and kidney disease. That’s why the hospital denied you coverage.
I have been pre-diabetic for several years (5.7).
I have original Medicare and Tricard4Life and am 81 years old. Does Medicare cover dietary or nutritional services for me?
If dietary services are deemed medically necessary by your physician to treat your condition, Medicare will cover these services.
Does medicare cover a dietitian visit for pre diabetes?
Hi Pamela! If the visit is Medically Necessary, Original Medicare should cover the visit
Does Medicare cover for nutrition for someone that has hepatitis C?
Jr, typically for the sole diagnosis of Hepatitis C, Medicare will not cover visits with a nutritionist. However, if there are other factors and your doctor deems it Medically necessary, this could potentially be covered.
If you have diabetes, does Medicare cover weekly visits with a nutritionist/ dietician? If so, can you have this service for more than a year?
Hi Andrea – Medicare does not cover nutritionist visits every week, but speak to your doctor about your health needs to make sure you obtain the maximum coverage for your medically necessary nutrition needs.
What would be the average charge and payment from Medicare for MNT? Of course, if they qualify.
Hi Cindy! The best resource I could find is from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Does Medicare provide assistance with a nutritionist in cases of IBS. I am interested in learning which foods set off attacks.
Hi Nancy! To qualify for MNT, the beneficiary needs to either be a diabetic, have kidney disease or had a kidney transplant within the last 36 months.
Does Medicare cover nutritional consult for 95 year old with low hemoglobin and high potassium?
Hi Roseann! Medicare will only cover a nutritional consult if the beneficiary is a diabetic, has kidney disease, or had a kidney transplant within the past 36 months.
My wife has celiac disease, and other related digestive issues, will Medicare cover nutritional advice for her conditions
Hi Robert! As of now, Medicare will not cover a nutritionist for celiac disease. The good news is, there is a bill proposed to expand coverage to include this.