If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or have recently had a kidney transplant, Medicare Part B can cover medical nutrition therapy services.

A doctor who accepts Medicare needs to refer you to nutrition services. Read on to learn the coverage criteria and your anticipated cost.

Original Medicare’s Part B only covers the services of a nutritionist under specific circumstances: if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or have had a kidney transplant in the last 36 months. Part A may also cover these services if you require them while hospitalized.

Only a registered dietitian or qualified nutrition professional can provide medical nutrition therapy services. If you get dialysis at a facility, Medicare can include these services in your comprehensive treatment plan.

If you live in a rural area, you may receive covered telehealth medical nutrition therapy from a registered dietitian or another nutrition expert.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage is a private insurance plan that gives you the same benefits as Original Medicare, which means it should cover nutrition therapy. Some plans may offer additional benefits, which means you may qualify for coverage under conditions besides the ones required by Original Medicare.

Generally, working with a nutritionist under Medicare may involve the following:

  • an initial assessment of your diet and lifestyle
  • individual or group sessions focused on supporting your nutrition goals
  • assistance with managing lifestyle factors affecting diabetes or another qualifying health condition
  • follow-up appointments to track your progress

Make sure that the healthcare professional you work with for your nutrition therapy accepts Medicare and is a registered dietitian. That’s because dietitians are required to get accreditation from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and complete other licensure needed in your state.

Although people often use the terms “dietitian” and “nutritionist” interchangeably, someone calling themselves a “nutritionist” may not always have the required licensure.

The cost of a nutritionist’s services depends on the services you get and the professional’s charges. Depending on the appointment type, they may generally charge between $100 and $250 per hour.

Generally, once you meet your $257 deductible under Medicare Part B, Medicare can cover 80% of your cost. But Part B covers some medical services fully. If you qualify for nutrition therapy under Part B’s benefits, Part B can pay for your nutrition therapy fully. You still have to pay your monthly premium of $185.

If you need nutrition therapy in the hospital or in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), you must meet the Part A deductible of $1,676 before coverage begins. Many people don’t pay a premium for Part A. Once coverage kicks in, you can receive coverage for medical services you need for the first 60 days.

Your costs for Medicare Advantage coverage can depend on your specific plan. You can explore the available plans in your area on Medicare.gov.

Under Original Medicare, Part B can only cover nutritionists if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or have had a kidney transplant within the last 36 months. If you qualify, it should cover the entire cost.

If you get dialysis at a facility, Medicare can include these services in your overall treatment plan. If you live in a rural area, you may be eligible for telehealth medical nutrition therapy from a registered dietitian or another nutrition expert.

Part A may also provide coverage if you experience hospitalization and require these services. Those enrolled in Medicare Advantage should receive coverage for nutrition therapy. Some plans may even offer additional benefits beyond what Original Medicare covers.