What Medicare Covers for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) — And What May Change
Good nutrition plays a critical role in preventing and managing many chronic health conditions. For some Medicare beneficiaries, Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) provided by a Registered Dietitian is a covered service. However, many patients are unsure about what Medicare currently covers and what services may not be included.
Below is a simple overview of current Medicare coverage for nutrition services, along with information about the proposed Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Act of 2026, which aims to expand access to nutrition care.
What Is Medical Nutrition Therapy?
Medical Nutrition Therapy is an evidence-based nutrition service provided by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). During MNT appointments, dietitians work with patients to create individualized nutrition plans that help manage or prevent chronic diseases.
Services may include:
- Nutrition assessments
- Personalized meal planning
- Blood sugar or lab value monitoring
- Education on managing chronic health conditions with nutrition
- Ongoing nutrition counseling and support
What Medicare Currently Covers
Medicare Part B currently covers Medical Nutrition Therapy for certain conditions when referred by a physician or qualified healthcare provider.
Medicare only covers MNT for patients with:
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) (non-dialysis)
- Kidney transplant within the last 36 months
Patients who qualify may receive:
- 3 hours of nutrition counseling in the first year
- 2 hours of follow-up counseling in subsequent years
Additional hours may be approved if a patient’s condition changes or if their physician recommends more nutrition care.
What Medicare Does Not Currently Cover
Although nutrition therapy can benefit many conditions, Medicare coverage is currently limited. At this time, Medicare generally does not cover MNT for conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Cancer
- Malnutrition
- Prediabetes
Many healthcare professionals believe expanding nutrition therapy coverage could improve health outcomes and help prevent complications related to chronic disease.
The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2026:
The proposed Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2026 aims to expand Medicare coverage for nutrition counseling. If passed, the legislation would allow Medicare to cover MNT for additional conditions including:
- Prediabetes
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol)
- Eating disorders
- Malnutrition
- Cancer
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- HIV/AIDS
Expanding coverage could help more Medicare beneficiaries access nutrition counseling and preventive care from Registered Dietitians.
How You Can Support Expanded Access to Nutrition Care
Patients who support expanded access to nutrition care can contact their elected representatives to share their perspectives on the importance of Medical Nutrition Therapy.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides resources and information about the MNT Act and how individuals can learn more about the legislation.
https://www.votervoice.net/EATRIGHT/1/Campaigns/134578/Respond
The Bottom Line
Nutrition plays a vital role in managing and preventing many health conditions. While Medicare currently covers Medical Nutrition Therapy for a limited number of diagnoses, proposed legislation could help expand access to these important services.
If you are interested in learning more about nutrition counseling or whether you may qualify for Medical Nutrition Therapy, consider speaking with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
Written by Clarissa Garcia, Future Registered Dietitian
