Legislation would expand access to medical nutrition therapy services for Medicare beneficiaries.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the bipartisan Medical Nutrition Therapy Act. This legislation would expand Medicare beneficiaries’ access to Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), a cost-effective method to treat obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and other chronic conditions. The bill would also allow more types of providers to refer patients to MNT, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and psychologists.
“Medical nutrition therapy is an effective strategy for improving disease management and prevention among older Americans,” said Senator Collins. “By expanding Medicare Part B coverage and allowing more providers to refer patients for these services, our bipartisan bill would improve health outcomes and quality of life while lowering health care costs for seniors in Maine and across the country.”
“Medical Nutrition Therapy is a cost-effective, preventive care method that helps Michiganders with chronic conditions get treatment. When people have access to this type of health care it helps them live longer, healthier lives, without breaking the bank,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to help reintroduce this bipartisan bill to expand access to these critical medical services, lower costs, and improve health outcomes for Michiganders and millions of Americans.”
“The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics applauds the introduction of the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act and thanks Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Gary Peters (D-MI) for their bipartisan leadership in advancing this important legislation. This bill expands Medicare coverage allowing beneficiaries to receive evidence-based nutrition care from registered dietitian nutritionists – RDNs. MNT helps prevent, delay, and manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and hypertension through individualized counseling as part of the broader health care team. By improving access to this cost-effective nutrition care service, this bipartisan legislation will strengthen preventive care, improve health outcomes and lower health care costs,” said Deanne Brandstetter, MBA, RD, CDN, FAND, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2025-26 President.
The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act would expand Medicare Part B coverage of outpatient medical nutrition therapy services to several currently uncovered diseases or conditions: prediabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, malnutrition, eating disorders, cancer, HIV/AIDS, gastrointestinal diseases including celiac disease, and cardiovascular disease. Currently, Medicare Part B only covers outpatient MNT for diabetes, renal disease, and post-kidney transplant.
MNT counseling is provided by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) as part of a collaborative health care team. It is evidenced-based and proven to improve weight, blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar control. Nutritional counseling by RDNs is recommended by the National Lipid Association to promote long-term adherence to an individualized, heart-healthy diet.
The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act is supported by a number of expert national organizations, including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, and the Endocrine Society.
Click here to read the complete text of the bill.
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