Does Medicare cover other programs with nutrition benefits?
Yes. Part B covers nutrition-related services for people with health conditions such as diabetes or obesity, including:
Diabetes self-management training. The program consists of one hour of individual training followed by up to nine hours of group training to help people diagnosed with diabetes learn how to monitor their blood sugar levels, follow healthy eating and exercise tips, and manage prescription medications to reduce their risk, followed by two hours of follow-up training each year.
You must have a written order from a doctor or other health care provider, and you are eligible for both diabetes self-management training and Medicare nutrition therapy, but you cannot bill them on the same day. Once you meet your Part B deductible, you will pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for the training program.
Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program. This year-long diabetes prevention program helps people with prediabetes avoid or delay the onset of diabetes. A coach works with you to increase activity, change your diet, and help manage your weight.
To qualify, you must have a body mass index of 25 or higher, or 23 or higher if you are Asian, and meet certain blood glucose testing requirements. Preventive benefits are not subject to the Part B deductible or 20 percent coinsurance premium.
Weight loss counseling. Medicare Part B also covers weight loss counseling from your doctor to help you lose weight through diet and exercise. This program includes early obesity screening, dietary assessment, and behavioral therapy.
To qualify, you must have a BMI of 30 or above. This is also considered a free preventive benefit.
Please remember
Private Medicare Advantage plans must offer the same coverage as Medicare Part B, including nutrition counseling programs. Some plans may offer additional benefits, such as:
Benefits of Healthy FoodsAlso known as a grocery benefit, this scheme provides people with certain chronic conditions with additional funds, usually through a flex card, to purchase healthy foods and produce on a monthly or quarterly basis. KFF (formerly the Kaiser Family Foundation) reports that in 2024, 13.9% of regular Medicare Advantage plans and 60% of special needs plans will offer grocery and produce benefits.
Meal delivery. KFF also reports that 72% of regular Medicare Advantage plans and 75% of special needs plans will offer meal delivery benefits in 2024. These are typically available for up to four weeks immediately following a hospitalization or nursing home stay. Unlike healthy food benefits, meal delivery is not limited to people with chronic conditions.
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