I'm interested in nutrition counseling to help manage my diabetes. Will Medicare cover this as preventive care?

Question

Morris Johnson · Accepted Answer

Medicare part B does cover with a referral from a doctor to a regestiered dietitan or specialist. But it all starts with your doctor.

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Hi, thanks for watching. So the question is, this particular person is interested in nutrition counseling to help manage their diabetes. Will Medicare cover this? Yes is the short answer, but a longer answer and a better answer is that there are specific insurance companies out there that focus on people with chronic conditions. Diabetes, heart conditions, and the coverage on these plans are really, really good. If you have an insurance agent that only does Medicare, which I hope that's what you're looking for, an independent broker too, they should have all the information about these carriers and what they cover. But the coverage is tailored. It's a focused problem-solving approach to specific chronic illnesses, and I highly recommend you look at those if you have a specific illness.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

This off the Medicare.gov website. 
Diabetes screenings

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers up to 2 blood glucose (blood sugar) laboratory test screenings (fasting or non-fasting) each year if your doctor determines you’re at risk for developing diabetes. 

Part B covers these screenings if you have any of these risk factors:

High blood pressure (hypertension)
History of abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels (dyslipidemia)
Obesity
History of high blood sugar 
Part B also covers these screenings if 2 or more of these conditions apply to you:

You’re 65 or older.
You’re overweight.
You have a family history of diabetes (parents or siblings).
You have a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or delivery of a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
Your costs in Original Medicare

You pay nothing for these screenings if your doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment.
Related resources

American Diabetes Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Healthfinder
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Clearinghouse
National Diabetes Education Program
Is my test, item, or service covered?

Tim Brown 
Contact me.

Larry Dalton · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part B and your Medigap plan will cover nutrition counseling, referred to as Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).  This is offered for diabetes customers. It is usually limited to a few hours the first year and a few more the second year, provided a proper physician diagnosis is made. 

Medicare Advantage plans will probably require prior approval for this type of therapy if your plan covers the MNT.

George Ibanez · Answer

Most Medicare plans include Medical nutrition therapy, obesity screening and therapy and additional preventive services, and mental health.
For more information, contact George.

Voss Speros · Answer

Voss Speros here, Greek god of Medicare. Let's talk about Medicare.

So, the question is, I'm interested in nutrition counseling to help manage my diabetes. Does Medicare cover this as preventative care? Yes. Medicare Advantage has preventative care built into their plans where they will cover you to stay healthy and to stay on top of things. Nutrition counseling to help you eat better is preventative care, and that is covered. Yes.

So, always double-check with your plan to make sure. But yes, in general, if this is covered, you're ahead of the game. Medicare will give you a couple of hours a year. Medicare Advantage will just cover it as preventative, up to a certain point. So, make sure to see what is available for that.

I was going to call customer service a month back and say, "Hey, how much counseling can I get and what do I get it from?" If you have any questions, give us a call. We’d be more than happy to send out an agent to help answer your questions. Have a good day!

Bill Wheeler · Answer

Medicare does cover nutrition counseling to help manage diabetes as a preventive care service, specifically referred to as Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).

Steven Lovell · Answer

Yes, medicare Part will cover medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for individuals with diabetes. Nutritional counseling and guidance from a registered dietitian or qualified nutrition specialist is included with this.

Answered by Steven Lovell on May 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, CA & 11 other states

Answered by Steven Lovell Medicare Insurance Agent

Misty Bolt · Answer

Hi, it's Medicare Misty, and you are listening to Medicare Minutes. Your question is, "I'm interested in nutrition counseling to help manage my diabetes. Will Medicare cover this as preventive care?" The good news is they will cover it at 100% as long as the provider takes Medicare's assignment. So, great news! I'm so excited. Great question! Have a great day!

Randall Taylor · Answer

Yes. Medicare generally covers nutrition counseling, specifically Medical Nutrition Therapy for individuals with diabetes. A doctor's referral is required for Medicare to cover these services.

Edward Wooten · Answer

Yes! Part B will cover those with diabetes, kidney disease, or if a kidney transplant was done within 3 years. In order for Medicare to cover, your physician must recommend the service and only a registered dietitian or professional nutritionist will be approved.

Answered by Edward Wooten on July 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL & MO

Answered by Edward Wooten Medicare Insurance Agent

Sandra (Sandy) Steffy · Answer

Yes — Medicare does cover nutrition counseling for diabetes as a preventive service under Part B, and you pay nothing if you qualify. Medicare calls this benefit Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), and it’s specifically available to people with diabetes when referred by a doctor.

Answered by Sandra (Sandy) Steffy on December 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in VA, AL, DC & 7 other states

Answered by Sandra (Sandy) Steffy Medicare Insurance Agent

Melissa Foster · Answer

Yes, Medicare does cover nutrition counseling (medical nutrition therapy) to help you manage your diabetes – as long as you have a doctor referral and see a qualifying dietitian. Medicare generally pays for three hours in the first year and two hours yearly after that.

Answered by Melissa Foster on December 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AL, AR & 9 other states

Answered by Melissa Foster Medicare Insurance Agent

Joshua Allen · Answer

Yes, Medicare covers nutrition counseling to manage diabetes.  This is known as medical nutrition therapy (MNT).

Jennifer Melancon · Answer

You must go through your provider, they need to provide a referral along with a diagnosis of diabetes and then you can receive counseling from registered dietitian. Medical Nutrition Therapy program is covered by Medicare and does not go toward you deductible or co insurance, however if you are enrolled in an advantage plan you must stay in your network to avoid costs.

Answered by Jennifer Melancon on November 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & VA

Answered by Jennifer Melancon Medicare Insurance Agent

Kent Hoyle · Answer

This is a very good question.  Any time a person has a question that is not specifically addressed in the Medicare and You Handbook, it is always in a persons best interest to pick up your phone and merely call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Hearing your answer from the main source that adjudicates the claims is always comforting.  This answer is true if the beneficiary has Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement policy.

However, if the beneficiary has a Medicare Advantage policy, the Center for Medicare is not the source to make that determination but instead your specific insurance company.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

I’m dubious about that since seeing a naturalist (doctor) is not an approved doctor visit at the present time. However, if as a result of your diabetes, there are consequences/symptoms that have been covered by Medicare, then you will receive the proper treatment.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Kris Moen · Answer

If you have diabetes or kidney disease, Medicare Part B covers:

3 hours of one-on-one nutrition counseling your first year

2 hours of follow-up counseling each year after

Additional hours if your doctor says it’s medically necessary

Cost to you:
-Medicare pays 100%
- No deductible
- No coinsurance
(as long as the provider accepts Medicare)

Daintee Hurst Dietz · Answer

We would have to look at plans individually. There are some that have advocates for additional services.

Kim Gibas · Answer

Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy as preventive care for those who have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Although, individuals with pre diabetes, Medicare does not cover medical nutrition therapy directly.

Brian Leichner · Answer

Medicare A is for hospitalizations; Medicare B is for doctors fundamentally. There not nutrition counseling as part of Original Medicare. Since Medicare Supplement plans pay benefits if it is an A or B kind of claim, it won't cover nutrition counseling. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it may have nutrition counseling as part of a preventative or condition management benefit. What is paid? That largely depends on the particular plan you have and what your doctor prescribes. I hope that helps. For more answer personalized to your concerns, you can contact me, Brian.

Answered by Brian Leichner on June 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in NE, AZ, CO & IA, KS, MO & TN

Answered by Brian Leichner Medicare Insurance Agent

Dina Todd · Answer

Most Medicare plans will cover preventative services. Medicare Advantage plans have plans that will specialize with Diabetic care.

Glenn Quinn · Answer

Yes, Medicare will cover nutrition counseling. Both original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans will cover nutrition. That is considered preventive services.

Giulio Campanelli · Answer

Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy services if you have diabetes or kidney disease, or you’ve had a kidney transplant in the last 36 months. A doctor must refer you for services.

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, Medicare will cover nutrition counseling, specifically medical nutrition therapy (MNT), for individuals with diabetes as part of preventive care. Medicare Part B covers 100% of the cost of MNT for those with diabetes, as long as they meet specific criteria and use a doctor who accepts Medicare assignment. 
Elaboration:
Coverage for Diabetes:
Medicare provides coverage for MNT when a doctor refers a beneficiary with diabetes for these services. 
Preventive Care:
MNT is considered a preventive health service, meaning Medicare covers the full cost, and you won't have to pay any copay or deductible. 
Other Conditions:
Medicare also covers MNT for individuals with kidney disease or who have had a kidney transplant within the last 36 months. 
Diabetes Self-Management Training:
Medicare also covers diabetes self-management training, which is an important part of managing diabetes. 
Importance of MNT:
MNT is an effective way to help individuals with diabetes manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications. 
Limited Coverage Hours:
While Medicare covers MNT, there are limits on the number of hours covered each year. For example, Medicare typically covers 3 hours of MNT in the first year and 2 hours in subsequent years.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy (MNT) services for individuals with certain conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, or a kidney transplant in the past 36 months. However, a doctor's referral is required, and the beneficiary must see a registered dietitian or other qualified nutrition specialist.

Answered by Aaron Young on April 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in OK, AR, GA & 6 other states

Answered by Aaron Young Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy (MNT) only if you meet one of the following criteria: 
Diabetes: If you have been diagnosed with diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2).
It doesn't matter if it's called preventative or not, it's just a matter of whether it's covered or not

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

ALL Meducare agents MUST be licensed in his/her resident state to sell Medicare Supplement Plans and MA Plans. If not licensed than don't deal with him/her.

Dean Chiapetto · Answer

It is covered by Medicare if your Dr has recommended that you need it. Brokers make a difference, so find a knowledgeable local agent to help you.

Deborah Webster · Answer

Most of the Medicare Advantage plans will cover diabetic counseling. This counseling is covered at no cost to the member. Diabetic testing supplies are also covered on these plans at no cost to the member.

Answered by Deborah Webster on April 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ia & SC

Answered by Deborah Webster Medicare Insurance Agent

Rodolfo Rojas · Answer

Yes, best to do a need analyst to make sure you're choosing the most indicated plan. Most all the preventative procedures are covered. Make sure your medicines are in the formulary and that your doctor is in the network.

Answered by Rodolfo Rojas on May 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in NV, AL, AR & 36 other states

Answered by Rodolfo Rojas Medicare Insurance Agent

Linda Davies · Answer

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medical nutrition therapy services if you have diabetes or kidney disease, or you’ve had a kidney transplant in the last 36 months. A doctor must refer you for the services.

Initial coverage includes 3 hours of medical nutrition therapy services in the first calendar year. These hours can’t be carried over to the next calendar year. If your doctor decides a change in your medical condition requires a change in your diet, they can give you a referral for more hours beyond the initial coverage. You may get up to 2 hours of follow-up services each calendar year, after the year you got your initial coverage.

John Messler · Answer

People that are on diabetes are eligible to be on a chronic special-needs plan. This will give extra attention and support for diabetes.

David Christian · Answer

Medicare will offer you preventative care for  diabetes.  This will fall under Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).

William Murray · Answer

"Medicare covers medical nutrition therapy services if you have diabetes...and a doctor refers  you for services. Only a Registered Dietitian or nutrition professional who meets certain requirements can provide medical nutrition therapy services. If you have diabetes, you may also be eligible for diabetes self-management training...You pay nothing for medical nutrition therapy preventative services because the deductible and coinsurance don't apply."
You can find this information on page 45 of the Medicare and You 2025 publication, which you can find on Medicare.gov.

Earl Beck · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part  B does cover nutrition counseling to manage diabetes and kidney disease.  Referred to as Medical Nutrition Therapy.

Under Part B, Medicare's medical nutrition therapy services (MNT) are for people with diabetes, kidney disease or recent kidney transplant recipients﻿ . Benefits include nutrition and lifestyle assessments, individual or group nutritional therapy services, help managing eating habits, and follow-up visits to check on progress.

Ashley King · Answer

Medicare Part B does cover medical nutrition therapy services if you are eligible. Diabetes is one of the qualifying conditions in addition to chronic kidney disease or if you have had a kidney transplant in the last 36 months. You will also need a referral from your doctor for nutrition therapy for a registered dietician.

Answered by Ashley King on December 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in MD, AL, AR & 9 other states

Answered by Ashley King Medicare Insurance Agent

Chauncey Bragg · Answer

Yes, Medicare will cover this. They call it MNT ( Medical Nutrition Therapy). It will be covered as long as you meet the requirements. Since you are a diabetic, you should be covered.

Jim Carroll · Answer

Yes, if you qualify for a Medicare/Medicaid Chronic Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) for diabetes. The insurance carrier will assign a case person to help you find the nutrition counseling.

Albert Smith · Answer

It will depend on your particular Medicare plan coverage. Please consult your Evidence of Coverage to determine the benefits available to you.

Dennis Sullivan · Answer

Basic Medicare will cover this as an 80/20 split on the bill, meaning this will cost you 20%. Meanwhile an advantage plan would cover this in full especially with a chronic condition plan adressing the diabetes.

Answered by Dennis Sullivan on July 9, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Dennis Sullivan Medicare Insurance Agent

Luis Mendoza · Answer

Yes — Medicare can cover nutrition counseling, but there are some conditions. Here’s how it works, especially for diabetes:

Eligible Conditions

To qualify, you must have diabetes, kidney disease, or have had a kidney transplant in the past 36 months. 

The person providing the nutrition therapy must be a registered dietitian (or another nutrition professional who meets Medicare’s qualifications).

David Schult · Answer

Medicare Part B nutrition counseling (medical nutrition therapy) is a preventive care service if you have diabetes. It’s a valuable covered benefit you can use to help manage blood glucose and support overall diabetes care with little to no cost, so long as you get a doctor’s referral and see a qualified provider.

Answered by David Schult on December 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY, IN & TN

Answered by David Schult Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Hixson · Answer

Yes, Original Medicare Part B covers Nutrition Counseling for individuals with Diabetes. You may be able to receive more help with a Medicare Advantage Plan. Some of these types of plans offer gym memberships and other things that Original Medicare does not offer.

Answered by Michael Hixson on April 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AR & TX

Answered by Michael Hixson Medicare Insurance Agent

Kelly Anderson · Answer

Medicare Part B covers nutrition counseling if a doctor writes an order that the services are medically necessary, typically for conditions like diabetes. In addition, many Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for nutrition counseling services.

Answered by Kelly Anderson on April 8, 2026

Agent Licensed in MO, AK, AL & 45 other states

Answered by Kelly Anderson Medicare Insurance Agent

Bridget Joseph · Answer

Yes, Medicare may cover nutrition counseling to help manage diabetes. Under Medicare Part B, eligible beneficiaries can receive medical nutrition therapy (MNT), which includes personalized nutrition and lifestyle counseling from a registered dietitian. This service is considered preventive and is typically covered at no cost when you have a diabetes diagnosis and a doctor’s referral. Coverage includes initial and follow-up sessions to help you manage your condition and improve your overall health.

Answered by Bridget Joseph on April 9, 2026

Agent Licensed in OH, FL, KY, SC, VA & WI

Answered by Bridget Joseph Medicare Insurance Agent

Anita Hawkins · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part B covers Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT) for individuals with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or who have had a kidney transplant in the past 36 months, provided a doctor refers you for these services. Medicare Advantage plans also provide this coverage, although specific rules for networks and costs may vary.

Answered by Anita Hawkins on August 1, 2025

Agent Licensed in NC

Answered by Anita Hawkins Medicare Insurance Agent

Aaron Young · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy (MNT) services for individuals with certain conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, or a kidney transplant in the past 36 months. However, a doctor's referral is required, and the beneficiary must see a registered dietitian or other qualified nutrition specialist.

Answered by Aaron Young on April 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in OK, AR, GA & 6 other states

Joley Hanson · Answer

Checking your plans options is important when picking a plan. Bringing a list of providers, medications, medical treatments and plans to be reviewed when deciding what plan best fits. This is a great question to be looked at when scheduling a consultation.

Answered by Joley Hanson on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in MN, FL, IA & 7 other states

Answered by Joley Hanson Medicare Insurance Agent

Todd Hassard · Answer

In many cases Medicare will cover your nutrition counseling if you currently have diabetes. It’s best to check with your healthcare provider.

Michael Claunch · Answer

Medicare does not provide this service that I’m aware of. It’s pretty straightforward though. Literally cut out all carbs and sugars and only eat protein and workout. Before you know it you won’t be a diabetic soon!

Answered by Michael Claunch on April 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN

Answered by Michael Claunch Medicare Insurance Agent

Jeanne LaChance · Answer

Medicare will cover nutrition counseling as part of diabetic preventative care. A referral from a Medicare provider is necessary. No co-pays or deductible will apply.

Ricardo Lourenço · Answer

Yes, you can get nutrition counseling if you have diabetes. You'll need a doctor's referral and to see a dietitian. Medicare covers:

- An initial assessment
- Personalized therapy sessions

And the best part? Medicare covers 100% of the cost. You'll get:

- 3 hours of counseling in the first year
- 2 hours of counseling each year after that

I'm interested in nutrition counseling to help manage my diabetes. Will Medicare cover this as preventive care?

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I'm interested in nutrition counseling to help manage my diabetes. Will Medicare cover this as preventive care?

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