When it comes to managing chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, your diet isn't just a lifestyle choice — it’s a critical component of your treatment plan. That’s why Medicare covers a powerful benefit that many people overlook:
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).
What Is Medical Nutrition Therapy?
MNT is a specialized service provided by a registered dietitian or qualified nutrition professional to help manage or treat certain medical conditions through personalized nutrition plans. It’s not the same as a casual chat about healthy eating — it’s a clinically tailored program designed to support better outcomes through food and nutrition.
These services typically include:
- Individualized nutrition and lifestyle assessments
- Help managing lifestyle factors related to diabetes
- Group and individual therapy and counseling sessions to help manage specific diseases like diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), or after a kidney transplant
- Follow-up visits to check on your progress
Who Qualifies?
Medicare Part B covers MNT services for beneficiaries who:
- Have diabetes
- Have kidney disease
- Have had a kidney transplant in the last 36 months
- Receive a referral from their treating physician
And here’s the best part: if the provider accepts Medicare assignment,
you pay nothing out of pocket — no deductible or coinsurance applies.
Why Nutrition Therapy Matters
For people managing chronic illness, food can be both a burden and a blessing. The wrong foods may spike blood sugar, increase blood pressure, or worsen kidney function. But the right plan — developed with a registered dietitian — can empower patients to take back control.
Studies suggest MNT may help manage certain symptoms and support health for people with diabetes or kidney disease, as well as enhance overall energy, wellness, and quality of life.
And because these visits are covered under Medicare Part B, it’s a benefit that’s both powerful and accessible.
How to Use This Benefit
- Ask your doctor for a referral to a Medicare-approved dietitian or nutrition professional.
- Schedule your sessions — typically up to 3 hours of one-on-one counseling your first year, and 2 hours each year after that. If your medical condition changes during the year, your doctor may provide a referral for additional hours.
- Make it a habit — like any therapy, consistency is key. Use these sessions to build and refine a sustainable plan.
You may also be able to access these services via
telehealth if you're located in a rural area.
Tip: Combine MNT with Diabetes Self-Management Training
If you have diabetes, you may also qualify for
Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT), another Medicare-covered service that complements MNT. Your doctor can help determine if you’re eligible for both.
Final Thought
Medical Nutrition Therapy is more than just a covered service. It’s an often-overlooked benefit that can make a meaningful difference in managing chronic conditions and improving length and quality of life.
If you qualify, take advantage of it. Ask your provider about a referral today, or visit Medicare.gov to learn more.
Note: This article refers to benefits under Original Medicare (Part B). If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, coverage and access may vary. Check with your plan provider for details.
