Does Medicare cover nutrition counseling for high cholesterol?

Question

Alison Hummel · Accepted Answer

Yes it does. 

It covers it through a program called Medicare Nutritional Therapy Services. 

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

If you have diabetes or kidney disease, or you’ve had a kidney transplant in the last 36 months, you qualify got this service and a doctor must refer you for services.

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

Anything outside of seeing your Primary Care doctor i.e. a specialist of any kind is going to cost you a copay.

Jason Hark, CMIS™ · Answer

Yes, as well, most Medicare Advantage plans also cover nutrition counseling for high cholesterol. They have to cover at least what Original Medicare does, but you may need to use a doctor in the plan’s network and get a referral first. Always check with your plan to be sure what’s covered and if there are any extra rules.

Answered by Jason Hark, CMIS™ on June 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, AL, AR & 16 other states

Answered by Jason Hark, CMIS™ Medicare Insurance Agent

Tammera Marrs · Answer

If your doctor diagnoses you with high cholesterol, Medicare Part B will cover any blood work that is medically necessary to monitor your cholesterol levels.
  If you have medically necessary outpatient tests and doctor visits that help you manage your high cholesterol, Medicare will help cover them.
  Medicare covers MNT (Medical Nutririon Therapy) for high cholesterol, particularly associated with other health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. The therapy aims to help manage cholesterol levels through dietary changes and lifestyle modifications.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Yes, a nutritionist is available but please bear in mind that since there is a dearth of specialists like nutritionists. So, if you are in an Advantage plan network, hopefully there will be choices of specialists that you can depend on. At times, a Medicare Advantage plan will insist upon a "Prior Authorization" which is also known as "Step Therapy". This means that since you may already have a cardiologist (who usually hands out menus for those with a high cholesterol condition), they may not wish to also pay for a nutritionist except in extraordinary circumstances. 

That won't happen with a Medicare Supplement plan (with no network) since any specialist would be glad to accept what "letter" of supplement plan with what company you have enrolled with and you'll be able to be treated for your high cholesterol.

Diana Garner · Answer

Nutrition counseling would be covered by Medicare Part B under Medical Nutrition Therapy.  This is available for any Medicare beneficiary who has been diagnosed with diabetes, kidney disease, or who has had a kidney transplant within the past 3 years. 

This service may also include counseling for beneficiaries who have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or are obese under certain circumstances.

Aaron Solomon · Answer

Medicare provides traditional health services. MAPD plans offer services about nutrition, diabetes and other areas.

Heather Borlenghi · Answer

Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria. A referral from your doctor is required. This counseling includes a registered dietician.

Crystal Burney · Answer

Medicare does not cover nutrition counseling specifically for High cholesterol, under its Medical Nutrition Therapy program, HOWEVER, if you have one of these other conditions, Diabetes, CKD or have had a kidney transplant in the past 36 months, and you receive a referral from your PCP to a registered dietitian, you may be able to receive Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), through your Medicare Part B plan. There are some Medicare Advantage plans that offer added nutrition benefits, so it is worth checking with your plan provider to find out more information, about these benefits.  

If you need help checking your plan or exploring options that offer nutrition counseling, I'm happy to help.

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part B typically covers nutrition counseling for individuals with high cholesterol, but only when it's provided as part of a Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) program. To qualify, a doctor must refer you for MNT services, and the nutrition professional must meet Medicare's requirements.

Answered by Fred Manas on April 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states

Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Pedersen · Answer

Medicare covers MNT for high cholesterol, particularly associated with other health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. The therapy aims to help manage cholesterol levels through dietary changes and lifestyle modifications. Medicare fully covers medical nutrition therapy (MNT) services. However, this requires a referral from a doctor.

Answered by Diana Pedersen on April 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA & ID

Answered by Diana Pedersen Medicare Insurance Agent

Nicolas Johnson · Answer

Medicare will cover nutrition counseling if it qualifies under the MNT program typically for people with diabetes or who have had kidney transplants in the past 36 months

Kelly Corbin · Answer

The short answer is yes- if you have high cholesterol and meet the other  requirements- also a referral from your doctor will likely be required.

Does Medicare cover nutrition counseling for high cholesterol?

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Does Medicare cover nutrition counseling for high cholesterol?

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