.png&w=256&q=75){kind=small}
Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care for Nutrition Therapy?
Date Updated: December 13, 2024
Written by:
Lauren Thomas is a seasoned writer that specializes in long-term care, with a special focus on dementia-related topics. She holds a degree in counseling and uses her knowledge and experience to create insightful content that gives seniors and families the information they need to make important care decisions.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
Medicare covers home health care for nutrition therapy if a homebound individual has a qualifying condition and receives care from a Medicare-certified doctor. Additionally, the patient must have a medical need for services and obtain them from a registered dietitian or qualified nutrition professional.
What Does Nutrition Therapy Include?
Nutrition therapy features an approach that promotes an individual's health through dietary and lifestyle changes. For those living with chronic health conditions, this invaluable form of therapy, along with medication, can help them maintain health and wellness. The therapist customizes therapy to fit the needs of the individual, but in general, they may include:
- An initial assessment that details nutrition and lifestyle factors
- Nutritional therapy in a group or a one-on-one setting
- Advice on managing lifestyle factors that affect diabetes
- Ongoing visits to monitor progress
When Does Medicare Pay for Nutrition Therapy?
For Medicare to cover medical nutrition therapy, you must carry Part B coverage, the part of the program that pays for medical treatments and care. Additionally, you must have diabetes or kidney disease or have had a kidney transplant in the last 36 months. If you currently receive dialysis from a dialysis facility, Medicare covers nutrition services as part of your overall treatment plan. If you can't access in-person nutrition therapy in your region, explore getting care via telehealth.
If you qualify for medical nutrition therapy, Medicare pays the full cost of services. A Medicare-registered doctor must refer you for therapy, and you must obtain treatment from a registered dietitian or nutrition professional who meets Medicare’s qualifications. Your doctor may recommend services more frequently than Medicare covers or treatment that Medicare doesn’t cover. In these cases, you may have to pay some or all of the costs.