Obesity behavioral therapy
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers obesity screenings and behavioral counseling, if you're eligible
Description
Obesity behavioral therapy includes an initial screening for BMI, and behavioral therapy sessions that include a dietary assessment and counseling to help you lose weight by focusing on diet and exercise.
Coverage details
Medicare covers this counseling if your primary care doctor or other primary care practitioner gives the counseling in a primary care setting (like a doctor's office), where they can coordinate your personalized prevention plan with your other care.
Who's eligible
If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
Costs
You pay nothing for this service if your primary provider accepts
assignment
.
Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.
Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.
Specific amounts you could owe depend on:
Other insurance you may have
How much your doctor charges
If your doctor accepts assignment
The type of facility
Where you get your test, item, or service