• Parenteral therapy requires all or part of the gastrointestinal tract to be missing. Nutritional formulas are delivered through a vein.

• Enteral therapy is covered if you cannot swallow or take food orally. Nutrition must be delivered through a tube directly into the gastrointestinal tract.

• Medicare will not pay for nutritional formulas that are taken orally.

• Specialty nutrition/formulations can be covered if you have unique nutrient needs or specific disease conditions which are well documented in your physician’s or healthcare provider’s records.  In most cases you may have to try standard formulas and document that they are unsuccessful before Medicare will consider the specialty nutrition.

** Some or all of the products in this category may be subject to competitive bidding depending on where you live.  Ask your supplier for details.