Medicare Corner
This project was supported in part by grant number 90MPPG0022, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy NOTE: Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) serve as a replacement for Parts A and B. As Part B fully covers nutrition therapy for those who qualify, Medicare Advantage must provide this same coverage. To get a referral for nutrition therapy, it makes the most financial sense to visit a doctor within your Advantage plan’s network or contact your plan directly. • Help managing the lifestyle factors that affect your diabetes. • Follow-up visits to check on your progress in managing your diet. Things to know: • Only a Registered Dietitian (or nutrition professional who meets certain requirements) can provide medical nutrition therapy services. • If you get dialysis in a dialysis facility, Medicare covers medical nutrition therapy as part of your overall dialysis care. • If you’re in a rural area, you may be able to get medical nutrition therapy via telehealth from a Registered Dietitian or other nutritional professional in a different location. • If you have diabetes, you may also be eligible for diabetes self-management training. Source: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/nutrition-therapy-services Medicare and Nutrition Therapy Services Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medical nutrition therapy services if you have diabetes or kidney disease, or you’ve had a kidney transplant in the last 36 months, and your doctor refers you for services. Your costs in Original Medicare: You pay nothing for these preventive services if you qualify to get them. Your doctor may recommend that you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or they may recommend services that Medicare doesn't cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and if, or how much, Medicare will pay for them. (See Section 2 of the ‘2023 Medicare & You’ book for a list of services covered by Medicare. Contact PCOA Medicare at (520) 546-2011 if you need a copy.) What services are considered Nutrition Therapy? Services may include: • An initial nutrition and lifestyle assessment • Individual and/or group nutritional therapy services
Page 8 | March 2023, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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