Right now, Medicare only covers nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian for people with diabetes or kidney disease. This bill expands that coverage to include many more chronic conditions that can be improved through better nutrition, including prediabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, eating disorders, celiac disease, and malnutrition. The bill also allows more types of healthcare providers to deliver this nutrition therapy—not just dietitians, but also physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and clinical psychologists (specifically for eating disorders).

Why does this matter? Studies show that proper nutrition can help prevent, delay, or manage many serious health conditions, and it's often more cost-effective than other treatments. The bill notes that people from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds are disproportionately affected by conditions like diabetes and obesity, so expanding access to nutrition therapy could help reduce these health disparities. Most Medicare beneficiaries have multiple chronic conditions that could benefit from nutrition counseling, but currently can't access it through Medicare. The changes would take effect two years after the bill becomes law, giving Medicare time to set up the new coverage rules.

Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025

Kelly, Robin L.

Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025This bill expands Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services.Currently, Medicare covers such services for individuals with diabetes or kidney disease under certain circumstances; such services must also be provided by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional pursuant to a physician referral. The bill extends coverage to individuals with other diseases and conditions, including obesity, eating disorders, cancer, and HIV/AIDS; such services may also be referred by a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or (for eating disorders) a clinical psychologist.