Why Insurance Covers Nutrition Counseling (And How to Use It Before Year-End)
Does Insurance Cover Nutrition Counseling?
Many insurance plans cover visits with a Registered Dietitian. Learn why, how to check your benefits, and how to use them before they expire this year.
Why Insurance Covers Nutrition Counseling (And How to Use It Before Year-End)
You’ve probably heard that medical visits, therapy sessions, or physical therapy may be covered by your insurance plan. But here’s a question you may not have asked: does insurance cover nutrition counseling?
The answer for many people is yes (!!) especially when you work with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). And if your plan resets at the end of the calendar year, now is the perfect time to check your benefits and use them before they expire.
At Katie Hake Health & Fitness, our team of Registered Dietitians are here to help you understand your coverage and get the most out of your benefits. Let’s break down why insurance often covers nutrition counseling, how it works, and what you need to know before year-end.
Why Insurance Covers Nutrition Counseling
Insurance companies recognize that food and lifestyle changes are powerful tools in preventing and managing chronic conditions. Covering visits with a Registered Dietitian can reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve outcomes for patients.
Here’s why nutrition counseling is often included as a covered benefit:
Preventive care: Dietitians help reduce risk for chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, disordered eating, and hypertension.
Evidence-based outcomes: Research shows that medical nutrition therapy (MNT) can improve blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, as well as body confidence and energy.
Cost savings: Even just a handful of dietitian visits can often prevent far more expensive medications or hospitalizations.
Federal laws: Under the Affordable Care Act, many preventive services - including some nutrition counseling - must be covered.
Telehealth expansion: Many insurers now cover virtual sessions, making it easier to access care.
Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to insurance coverage, the distinction between a dietitian and a nutritionist matters.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Completed an accredited degree, supervised internship, national board exam, and continuing education.
Licensed to provide medical nutrition therapy for both prevention and disease management.
Most insurance companies only cover services when provided by an RDN.
Nutritionist
The term “nutritionist” isn’t regulated in many states - anyone can call themselves one.
Some may have advanced training, but insurance rarely covers their services.
Bottom line: If you want to use insurance benefits, choose an RDN.
What’s Typically Covered?
Every plan is different, but here are common scenarios where nutrition counseling is covered:
Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disease, or digestive issues
Preventive services for people at risk (e.g., prediabetes, elevated BMI - even though we agree, BMI is BS, family history)
Nutrition counseling visits ordered by a physician
Both in-person and telehealth appointments
Coverage can either be unlimited or includes a set number of visits per year, and some plans may require a referral or diagnosis code. That’s why it’s important to check your benefits directly with your insurance provider - or let our team do it for you.
Why Use Your Benefits Before Year-End?
Many insurance plans reset in January, which means any unused visits may be lost. Here’s how to make sure you don’t miss out:
Check your benefits - Call your insurance company or let our team verify coverage for you. We even wrote this script to make it super easy for you!
See what’s left - You may have visits remaining that won’t roll over.
Book before the holidays - Schedules fill quickly, so secure your spot now.
Use it or lose it - Don’t let paid-for benefits go to waste! This includes your HSA/FSA, which can often be used towards fitness coaching as well!
Why Work with Our Team
At Katie Hake Health & Fitness, LLC, we make the process simple:
We provide you with a script to verify your benefits so you know exactly what’s covered
We bill insurance directly (for most major plans)
We offer both in-person and virtual visits for your convenience
We have daytime, evening, and weekend availability to match your schedule
Our dietitians provide evidence-based, compassionate care from a non-diet perspective
Whether you’re managing a health condition or just want to feel more energized, confident, and at peace with food, our team is here to help.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve been curious about working with a dietitian, now is the time. Don’t let your insurance benefits expire unused! We accept Anthem and UnitedHealthcare at this time.
About the Author
Katie Hake, RDN, CPT is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer, and the founder of Katie Hake Health & Fitness, LLC based in Carmel, Indiana. She and her team of non-diet dietitians specialize in helping folks break free from dieting, rebuild trust with their bodies, and create sustainable habits that support energy, confidence, and health. Through both in-person and virtual counseling, Katie and her team proudly serve clients across Indiana and beyond, empowering them to use their insurance benefits to access compassionate, evidence-based nutrition care and fitness coaching.