Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy for people who meet specific conditions. It is not blanket coverage for every dietitian visit, nutrition coach or commercial nutrition program. Confirm the benefit and provider before scheduling.
Who can qualify?
You must have diabetes or kidney disease, or have had a kidney transplant within the previous 36 months. A doctor must refer you. Only a registered dietitian or another nutrition professional who meets Medicare’s requirements can provide the covered service.
A general goal of eating differently, or high cholesterol or obesity alone, does not by itself establish eligibility for this particular benefit. Other preventive benefits have separate requirements, so ask the provider to identify the benefit being proposed rather than assuming all counseling follows the same rules.
Hours and patient costs
| Situation | What Medicare provides |
|---|---|
| First calendar year | Three hours of initial medical nutrition therapy; unused hours do not roll over. |
| Following calendar years | Up to two hours of follow-up services each year. |
| A change in medical condition requiring a diet change | The doctor may provide a referral for additional hours under the coverage rules. |
| Qualifying covered services | You pay nothing when you meet the benefit requirements. |
If you receive dialysis in a dialysis facility, nutrition therapy is covered as part of the overall dialysis care. Diabetes self-management training is another benefit with separate rules; receiving both requires meeting the applicable conditions.
Before the appointment
- Confirm the qualifying condition and referral.
- Verify the professional meets Medicare’s requirements and accepts your coverage.
- Ask how many covered hours remain in the calendar year.
- Request a separate price for any services outside the covered benefit.
- If you have Medicare Advantage, check network and authorization requirements with the plan.
Keep the referral, coverage confirmation and any billing notice. If a charge appears, ask which service and date it concerns before assuming a covered preventive benefit should have a copayment.
This guide explains insurance coverage. It does not provide a diet, recommend supplements or replace individualized advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Related coverage questions
- Medicare Part B: Medical Coverage, Costs and Enrollment
- Medicare Coverage Database: How to Read NCDs and LCDs
- How to Find and Verify a Medicare Provider