The Importance of
a Balanced Diet
According to the CDC, only 10% of Americans are consuming the recommended intake of vegetables and 12% are consuming the recommended intake of fruit. Eating a healthy diet is just as important as staying active.
Making sure to fuel yourself with balanced nutrition has a lot of benefits, including:
- Preventing disease: Eating a healthy, balanced diet is proven to decrease the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
- Strong bones: As we age, our bones lose density. Supplying your body with the right nutrients can keep your bones healthy and happy, reducing your risk of osteoporosis and bone breaks or fractures.
- Stay energized: Having enough carbs, fats, protein and micronutrients in your diet helps you have the energy to get through your day!
- Maintain a healthy weight: Pairing a good diet and daily exercise will give your body the energy it needs to keep a healthy weight.
Who can help?
If you have questions about finding the right foods for you, talking to your primary care physician is a great first step. Value-based care providers focus on preventative care, which could mean regular check-ins about maintaining a healthy diet for a healthy lifestyle. Preventing serious illness by eating a balanced diet may help save you from paying high out-of-pocket costs for hospital visits and medication for problems caused by a poor diet.
Medicare and Nutrition
Does Medicare cover any nutrition services? Individuals enrolled in Medicare may be eligible for medical nutrition therapy (MNT) under these conditions:
- If you have diabetes
- If you have kidney disease
- If you have had a kidney transplant in the last 3 years.
Medical nutrition therapy could include an initial nutrition assessment, nutrition counseling or therapy services and follow-ups regarding your diet progress. This service is typically provided by a registered dietitian. If you don’t currently have a dietitian, your primary care physician can refer you to one that is in your network.
Further Reading:
Enrollment Eligibility
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs each year from October 15 to December 7. What is the Annual Enrollment Period vs. Open Enrollment Period?
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your Initial Enrollment Period generally surrounds your 65th birthday but may occur if you otherwise become eligible for Medicare for the first time.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
You may be eligible if you experience a qualifying life event such as moving to a new zip code, losing employer coverage, or change in Medicaid status.
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Last Updated: October 13, 2023 MULTIPLAN_ETQEZMwebsite_2024_M