Insurance Coverage for Nutrition Counseling
Taking care of our health and well-being is of utmost importance, and nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Nutrition counseling is an effective tool for individuals seeking guidance in improving their eating habits and overall health. Fortunately, many health insurance plans offer coverage for nutrition counseling services. However, navigating the insurance verification process can be confusing. In this blog post, we will provide you with guidance on how to verify insurance benefits for nutrition counseling.
Coverage for nutrition counseling visits differs for each plan and policy. Many policies have coverage for medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for specific medical diagnoses AND for preventive nutrition counseling (Preventive care services covered under HealthCare Reform). You will want to inquire about EACH benefit. It is up to you to check with your insurance provider to find out if you are covered before your visit.
Step 1: Contact your Insurance Provider
Contact your insurance provider directly to inquire about nutrition counseling coverage. Use the customer service number listed on your insurance card or use the chat function on your portal to reach a representative who can assist you with your inquiry. Be prepared to provide your policy number and any necessary personal details during the call.
Compleat Wellness Center is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Capital Blue, Aetna, Cigna and United Healthcare.
Step 2: Ask the Right Questions
“I’m calling to verify Nutrition Counseling/Medical Nutrition Therapy Benefits. I’d like to verify the medical AND preventive benefits.”
You can also use the PDF Insurance Verification Form to verify your nutrition benefits.
Ask the following questions for Medical AND Preventive benefits:
• Does policy run on calendar or contract year?
• Is this benefit limited to a specific diagnosis or co-morbidity? If so, which ones?
• Is there a Physician referral needed?
• Is there a limit to the number of visits per year?
• Does the deductible apply?
• What is deductible? And how much of deductible has been met?
• Is there a copay/coinsurance?
• Is telehealth covered?
I would also recommend obtaining a reference number before ending the call.
Telehealth Visits
Since the pandemic most insurance companies are covering more telehealth services. If you are interested in using telehealth for some or all of your appointments, please ask if your nutrition counseling coverage includes telehealth.
What if my plan does not cover nutrition counseling?
If you have a flex spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA) you can use it to pay for appointments and co-pays. You will still need to check with your FSA or HSA to determine your eligibility for nutrition counseling. Your doctor may be required to sign a letter of medical necessity.
Remember, it’s up to you to call to verify your nutrition counseling benefits before your visit.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us for assistance at 717-942-2831 or Info@CompleatWellnessCenter.com
