Medicare does not cover seltzer water as a medical benefit

Seltzer is a carbonated beverage and falls outside what Medicare considers a covered item or service. Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and hospice. Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, lab tests, imaging, and certain medical equipment. Neither part pays for food or drinks, including seltzer, even if your doctor recommends carbonated water for digestive comfort.

If your doctor has suggested seltzer for a specific health reason — such as managing nausea or improving hydration — you would purchase it yourself at a grocery store or pharmacy. The cost comes out of your own pocket, though it is typically inexpensive compared to other out-of-pocket health expenses.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover seltzer or any carbonated beverages, regardless of medical reason.
  • Seltzer is classified as food and drink, which Medicare excludes from coverage across all plan types.
  • If your doctor recommends seltzer for nausea, digestion, or hydration, you can purchase it at any grocery store or pharmacy without a prescription.
  • Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may offer supplemental wellness benefits, but these rarely include beverages.

What Medicare does and does not cover

Medicare's coverage rules are specific: the program pays for medical services and equipment that treat, diagnose, or manage a disease or condition. A doctor's recommendation alone does not make something covered. The item must also be deemed medically necessary by Medicare's standards and fall into an approved category.

Food and beverages are never covered under these rules, even when a healthcare provider suggests them. This includes seltzer, juice, broth, or any other drink. The only exception is enteral nutrition — special liquid formulas prescribed for people who cannot eat solid food — which Medicare Part B may cover under specific circumstances with prior authorization.

If you are in a skilled nursing facility after a hospital stay, your meals and drinks are included in the facility's daily rate covered by Medicare Part A. But once you return home, you pay for all food and beverages yourself.

When a doctor recommends seltzer for health reasons

Doctors sometimes suggest seltzer to help with nausea, bloating, or mild dehydration because carbonation can ease stomach discomfort for some people. If your doctor has made this recommendation, it is safe and reasonable to try — seltzer is inexpensive and widely available.

You do not need a prescription to buy seltzer. Plain seltzer (carbonated water with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners) is sold at every grocery store and many pharmacies, usually for a few dollars per case. If you are on a tight budget, store brands are identical to name brands and cost less.

Keep track of whether seltzer actually helps your symptoms. If it does not, or if your symptoms worsen, contact your doctor. There may be other approaches — dietary changes, over-the-counter medications, or prescription treatments — that Medicare does cover.

Medicare Advantage plans and wellness benefits

Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) include supplemental benefits beyond what Original Medicare covers. These might include fitness programs, meal delivery services, or over-the-counter medication allowances. A small number of plans offer grocery store allowances or nutrition benefits.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents or call the plan's customer service line to ask whether any wellness or nutrition benefits explore to your situation. Even if your plan offers a grocery allowance, it would typically cover a range of foods and drinks rather than seltzer specifically — and you would use it the same way you use any other grocery purchase.

Out-of-pocket costs for beverages and hydration

The cost of seltzer is minimal compared to most healthcare expenses. A case of plain seltzer typically costs $3 to $8, depending on brand and where you shop. If you drink seltzer daily, budget roughly $30 to $60 per month.

If cost is a concern, tap water is free and remains the best way to stay hydrated. If you want carbonation without buying seltzer repeatedly, a home carbonation system (like a SodaStream) costs $70 to $150 upfront but can reduce the per-serving cost over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my doctor write a prescription for seltzer to make Medicare cover it?

No. A prescription does not change Medicare's rules about food and beverages. Seltzer is not a medication and cannot be prescribed in a way that triggers coverage. Your doctor can recommend it, but Medicare will not pay for it.

What if I need special nutrition because of a medical condition?

If you cannot eat solid food due to illness or surgery, ask your doctor about medical nutrition therapy or enteral nutrition formulas. These are prescription products that may be covered by Medicare Part B. They are different from seltzer and require prior authorization.

Does Medicare cover any beverages at all?

Medicare does not cover beverages for home use. In a hospital or skilled nursing facility, meals and drinks are included in your covered stay. Once you are discharged, you pay for all food and drinks yourself.

What should I do if seltzer is not helping my symptoms?

Tell your doctor. There may be other options — dietary changes, ginger tea, prescription anti-nausea medication, or other treatments — that could help more. Your doctor can discuss which approaches Medicare covers and which you would pay for out of pocket.