Are Dietitians Covered by Insurance?

Are dietitians covered by insurance? It’s a common question, because for too long, nutrition counseling and seeing a dietitian were considered out-of-pocket luxuries only the wealthiest had access to. In fact, it was seeing a nutritionist influencer charging $10K for a package of sessions that led Vanessa Rissetto, MS, RDN, CEO and co-founder to start Culina Health centered on a commitment to accessibility, which in turn means meeting patients exactly where they are. “At the end of day, what we really want to do is give people access to prevention, and we understand what people have access to and what they can afford,” says Vanessa. 

Culina Health Insurance Coverage

Today, Culina Health is proudly in-network with most major insurance plans, including Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Medicare, and some patients pay as little as $0 out of pocket. Culina Health co-founder Tamar Samuels, MS, RDN says, “The nutrition space is really fragmented and confusing and inaccessible to most people. Most people think that nutrition is an elitist service that is only reserved for people who can afford to pay thousands of dollars for a personal nutritionist who gives them a customized meal plan and works with their private chef to execute that meal plan. A lot of people who are not clinically trained and who aren’t healthcare professionals are giving nutrition advice and then nutrition advice is not found. So we created Culina so we can solve those problems—the problem of misinformation, the problem of lack of access, and the problem of lack of culturally competent care.”

As you can see, understanding your insurance coverage is essential to accessing affordable care that supports your health goals, and depends on your individual health coverage. Read on to learn more about dietitian insurance coverage with Culina Health, and what it means for your unique health journey.

Why Nutrition Counseling is Important

Working with a dietitian can help you manage health conditions, achieve personal wellness goals, understand the basics of nutrition and meal-planning, and improve your overall well-being. It’s also an amazing first line of prevention or solution for health symptoms or chronic conditions, many of which can be reversed or prevented through diet and lifestyle changes. From managing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, to supporting gut health and eating disorder recovery, Culina Health’s diverse team of registered dietitians offer personalized guidance for lasting health outcomes—without judgment, and with a nuanced understanding of each patient’s unique needs and goals.

Unlike doctors or dentists, many people see a dietitian for the first time as adults—often when they’re feeling vulnerable about their health. It’s natural to feel uncertain about what to expect, which is why preparation can make all the difference. Check out our guide to preparing for your first dietitian visit to feel confident and ready to begin your nutrition journey.

What Insurance Covers Dietitian Services?

As we mentioned before, and will continue to emphasize, Culina Health is proudly in-network with most major insurance plans, including Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Medicare. In fact, 93% of our patients access Culina Health services through in-network benefits through their insurance, many with low or no copays. Plus, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies must cover nutrition counseling from a Registered Dietitian (RD) or a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) for at-risk individuals. While most insurance companies will offer a set number of covered sessions per year, with a chronic disease diagnosis, your coverage will most likely increase. 

If you have an out-of-network plan, but you have a plan that provides out-of-network coverage, you may be eligible to be reimbursed for our nutrition counseling services. However, you are responsible to know and understand the specific benefits of your plan, along with any financial responsibility you might have for our services. You can also use your HSA and FSA funds to cover any copays, coinsurances, or out-of-pocket costs.

In an exciting step forward for public health, Congress is currently considering the Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Act, which aims to expand Medicare coverage for MNT services, potentially increasing access for millions of Americans. Read our co-founders’ take on why this Act is so important for population health. 

For more details on how Culina Health works with your insurance provider, visit our insurance page.

What Insurance Coverage for Dietitian Visits Depends On

Several factors influence whether your insurance plan covers dietitian services, including:

• Insurance Provider: Coverage varies among providers like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare.
• State Regulations: Some states have mandates requiring coverage for nutrition counseling, while others do not.
• Type of Plan: Employer-sponsored plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance each have unique coverage policies.
• Reason for Visit: Plans may distinguish between medically necessary visits (e.g., for diabetes, hypertension or other chronic conditions) and wellness consultations (e.g., for general nutrition guidance).

Are Dietitians Covered by Your Insurance? How to Find Out

If you’re unsure about your coverage, or want to verify your benefits prior to your first session with Culina Health, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Call Your Insurance Provider

Reach out to the customer service or member services department for your insurance company—the number will be listed on your insurance identification card. 

Ask the representative, “Is Culina Health in-network or out-of-network with my plan?”

Step 2: Verify Coverage Details

For in-network plans, ask:

• “Does my plan cover nutritional counseling or medical nutrition therapy?” 
• “How many appointments are covered per calendar/policy year?”
• “What conditions/diseases/diagnostic codes are covered?”
• “Does my insurance cover preventive care? Is preventive care paid 100% by my plan without any cost to me?”
• “Do I need a referral, prior-authorization, or predetermination letter prior to my appointment?”
• “Do I have a co-pay or co-insurance?”
• “Do I have a deductible to meet first? If so, how much?”

For out-of-network plans, ask:

• “Do I get any reimbursement for cash pay?”
• “Does my plan allow for superbill reimbursement? If so, what is the allowed number of visits?”
• “What is the process for superbill submission?”

Pro tip: Make sure to write down the name of your representative, a reference number for your call, and the date and time of the call for your records. Need more help? Use our insurance guide for additional tips.

Tips for Using Your Insurance to See a Dietitian

Maximize your benefits with these strategies:

• Understand Licensure Requirements: All states have requirements that you see a provider licensed in your own state. Not being in compliance with this could mean your insurance claim gets denied. At Culina Health, we have team members licensed in all 50 states, and make sure to match patients with providers licensed in their states.
• Find an In-Network Dietitian: This minimizes your out-of-pocket costs. Culina Health is in network with most major insurance plans including Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Medicare, and more.
• Request a Referral: Some plans require one from your primary care provider or specialist. Typically, your provider can send a referral directly to a Culina Health dietitian, who can start seeing you right away.
• Ask About Telehealth Options: Virtual sessions make care accessible and convenient, even with a busy schedule. At Culina Health, all of our sessions are virtual. We offer a wide range of morning, evening, afternoon, weekend, and weekday appointments to fit into your life.

What to Do If You Don’t Have Insurance Coverage for Dietitian Services

If your plan doesn’t cover dietitian visits, there are still ways to access affordable care:

• Look for Flexible Payment Options: Culina Health offers membership packages for those paying out of pocket, designed to fit your budget. Learn more about our plans and pricing here. 
• Use HSA or FSA Funds: A Health Savings Account or a Flexible Spending Account can help you cover eligible nutrition services.
• Explore Employer Wellness Programs: Many workplaces subsidize wellness initiatives, including nutrition counseling. Ask your HR team if you have this!
• Take Advantage of Free Resources: Culina Health offers a variety of free tools and guides to support your health journey, regardless of whether you use our services. Our team of registered dietitians shares lifestyle tips, nutrition information, and deep dives on wellbeing on our blog, and you can also download nutrition guides from our site on topics like heart healthy eating, building a balanced meal, and more. 

Looking for a Dietitian Covered by Insurance?

At Culina Health, we work with a wide range of insurance providers to make nutrition care accessible.

Ready to take the next step in your health journey, with a professional by your side who truly gets it? Get in touch today to explore your insurance benefits and book your first session!