Does Medicare Cover Registered Dietitian Visits? What to Know

Thinking about working on your nutrition goals, but wondering if Medicare covers visits with a registered dietitian (RD)? 

It does for certain conditions—and in specific settings, but be aware that as of now, telehealth coverage expires on September 30, 2025. 

We want to empower you to understand your coverage so you can get the most out of your insurance. So in this post, we’ll break down who qualifies, what’s covered, how long telehealth visits are available, and how to find a dietitian who accepts Medicare.

Who Qualifies for Medicare-Covered Dietitian Visits? 

There are a few parameters to note for coverage. A patient:

• Must have Medicare Part B or Medicare Part C coverage.
• Must have a doctor’s referral for Medical Nutrition Therapy.
• Must have one of the covered conditions (diabetes, chronic kidney disease, post-kidney transplant).

Does Medicare Cover Nutrition Counseling? 

Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) cover Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for the following medical conditions:

• Diabetes (Type 1 & Type 2)
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) 
• Post-kidney transplant (within 36 months)

A referral from a doctor is required to obtain coverage. Referrals are good for one year and should be renewed each year for continued services. 

Medical Nutrition Therapy must be provided by a registered dietitian (RD) or another nutrition professional who meets Medicare’s requirements. 

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may offer additional benefits, including coverage beyond these conditions covered by traditional Medicare. These plans may provide expanded coverage for:

• Virtual weight management counseling
• Heart health & cholesterol-focused nutrition coaching
• Preventative care nutrition sessions

How Many Dietitian Hours Does Medicare Cover?

• First calendar year (January-December): Up to 3 hours of Medical Nutrition Therapy.
• Subsequent calendar years: Up to 2 hours per year.
• Additional hours within the same calendar year may be covered with a second referral when additional MNT is found to be medically necessary.

The hours cannot be carried over from year to year. 

Make sure to always verify your coverage independently before you start care. 

Will Medicare Extend Telehealth Coverage for RDs?

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily expanded Medicare’s telehealth benefits, including virtual MNT. However, this coverage is scheduled to end on September 30th, 2025. Patients should check with Medicare, their provider, or a Medicare Advantage plan for updates on potential extensions.

How to Find a Medicare-Covered Virtual Dietitian

• Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a Medicare-approved RD offering telehealth.
• Search Medicare’s provider directory for dietitians who accept Medicare and provide virtual visits.
• Check with Culina Health—our expert RDs provide virtual nutrition counseling, and we can help determine if Medicare covers your visit.

Out-of-Pocket Costs for Medicare Nutrition Counseling 

• Medicare Part B covers 100% of the cost for eligible services when you see a Medicare-approved RD.
• If you go outside Medicare’s network, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may have co-pays or additional benefits.

What If Medicare Doesn’t Cover My Dietitian Visit? 

• Check Medicare Advantage plans for extra coverage.
• Ask about cash-pay options (some RDs offer affordable packages or reduced session rates for Medicare patients).
• Consider using an HSA or FSA (if you have one).
• Look for free or low-cost nutrition programs through local hospitals or health organizations.
• Culina Health offers a special rate for Medicare patients wishing to pay out-of-pocket.

The Bottom Line

Medicare covers registered dietitian visits if you have diabetes or kidney disease, or if you’ve had a kidney transplant in the last 36 months. A doctor must refer you for services for coverage. Virtual nutrition visits with a registered dietitian will be covered until September 30th, 2025. If you qualify, ask your doctor for a referral and book your appointment. You can get matched with a RD who understands your needs today!