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.

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.

Misty Bolt · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part B can cover nutrition counseling (Medical Nutrition Therapy, MNT) if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or have had a kidney transplant within the past 36 months. This service is considered a preventive benefit and is often covered at 100% as long as you use a provider who accepts Medicare assignment.

Answered by Misty Bolt on May 12, 2025

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Sean Willingham · Answer

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

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

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

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Daintee Hurst Dietz · Answer

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

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 call me, Brian 402.708.6616

Answered by Brian Leichner on June 27, 2025

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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.

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

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Answered by Deborah Webster 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.

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

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David Christian · Answer

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

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

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

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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

Answered by Aaron Young Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

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

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.

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.

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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