The role of nutrition in chronic disease management is especially crucial, as it is a modifiable risk factor for many conditions such as chronic renal failure (CRF), diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity and coronary artery disease (CAD). Payers who bear significant long-term healthcare utilization burdens due to obesity and cardiovascular risk factors may determine that Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) preventive coverage is a cost-effective policy approach for their beneficiaries.