Medicare coverage
Does Medicare Cover Obesity Counseling?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers obesity screenings and behavioral counseling, if you're eligible.
Yes: Part B
Source: Medicare.gov, Obesity behavioral therapy, checked October 23, 2026.
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Coverage at a glance
- Covered?
- Yes
- Which part
- Part B
- What you pay
- You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment.
- Type
- Preventive service
- Part B deductible 2026
- $283 a year (CMS). Part B premium $202.90 a month.
- Medicare.gov page
- Obesity behavioral therapy
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.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Coverage details
Part B covers obesity screenings and behavioral counseling. You must get the counseling from your primary care doctor or other primary care provider in a primary care setting (like a doctor's office), where they can coordinate your personalized prevention plan with your other care.
You must meet certain weight loss requirements for Medicare to continue to cover this counseling.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Who's eligible
You must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Costs
You pay nothing for this service if your primary provider accepts assignment.
More access to GLP-1 drugs Medicare GLP-1 Bridge provides access to certain GLP-1 drugs to help you lose weight and improve your health if you have Medicare drug coverage (Part D), aren’t already getting these drugs covered by Part D, and meet other requirements. If you qualify, you pay a $50 copayment for a one-month supply.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
National Coverage Determinations
- NCD 210.12: Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity
Version 1, effective November 29, 2011
An NCD is the national rule CMS writes for when Medicare pays for an item or service. Local coverage determinations (LCDs) from each Medicare contractor can add detail. Read the NCD text on the CMS site.
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Questions
Does Medicare Cover Obesity Counseling?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers obesity screenings and behavioral counseling, if you're eligible.
Which part of Medicare covers Obesity Counseling?
Medicare.gov lists Obesity behavioral therapy under Part B.
How much do you pay for Obesity Counseling with Medicare?
Per Medicare.gov: You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment.
Is there a national coverage determination for Obesity Counseling?
Yes. CMS NCD 210.12, Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity, version 1, effective 2011-11-29.
Does a Medicare Advantage plan cover Obesity Counseling?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers and some offer extra benefits. Check the plan's Evidence of Coverage. Rivvi does not recommend plans.
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Does Medicare Cover Obesity Counseling?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers obesity screenings and behavioral counseling, if you're eligible.
Checked against Medicare.gov 2026-10-23. Source: Rivvi