Does Medicare Cover Nutritionist Services?
- December 9, 2020
- Reviewed by John Krahnert
Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy and some related services for certain people.
Your doctor must refer you for these services as medically necessary in order for them to be covered by Medicare.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may also offer nutrition benefits such as home meal delivery and healthy food options for beneficiaries.
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Who is eligible for Medicare nutrition therapy coverage?
People who have enrolled in Medicare and who meet at least one of the following conditions are likely eligible for medical nutrition therapy coverage:
- People who have diabetes
- People who have kidney disease
- People how have had a kidney transplant in the past 36 months
What types of medical nutrition therapy are covered by Medicare?
Examples of medical nutrition therapy services include:
- A nutrition and lifestyle assessment
- Individual and/or group nutrition therapy services
- Follow-up visits to check on your progress and manage your diet
What if I only have Medicare Part A and don’t have Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) does not cover medical nutrition therapy services. If you have Part A only, you will likely be responsible for all costs if you see a nutritionist.
Medicare Advantage plans cover nutrition therapy services
Medicare Advantage plans provide the same Part A and Part B benefits as Original Medicare, so your Medicare Advantage plan will cover medical nutrition therapy if it meets the qualifications detailed above and if you are referred by your doctor.
Find a Medicare Advantage plan that can help cover your nutrition needs
In addition to the hospital and medical benefits provided by Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans may cover prescription drugs and some additional benefits such as:
- Vision care
- Dental care
- Hearing care
- Health and wellness program benefits, such as gym memberships and SilverSneakers
- Home delivery of nutritional meals and groceries
If you think a Medicare Advantage plan may be a good fit for you, speak with a licensed insurance agent to compare plans that may be available in your area. A licensed insurance agent can help you find out if you are eligible and enroll in a plan right over the phone.
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About the author
Christian Worstell is a licensed insurance agent and a Senior Staff Writer for MedicareAdvantage.com. He is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of Medicare and understand their coverage options.
His work has been featured in outlets such as Vox, MSN, and The Washington Post, and he is a frequent contributor to health care and finance blogs.
Christian is a graduate of Shippensburg University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He currently lives in Raleigh, NC.
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