Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2026
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This bill would expand Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy to include conditions like obesity, cancer, and eating disorders.
What it does
This bill would expand Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy services to include individuals with conditions such as obesity, eating disorders, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. Currently, Medicare only covers these services for patients with diabetes or kidney disease. Additionally, the proposal would allow physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and clinical psychologists to refer patients for these services.
Who is affected
This bill affects Medicare beneficiaries with specific health conditions, including obesity, eating disorders, cancer, and HIV/AIDS, by expanding their access to medical nutrition therapy services. It also impacts healthcare providers such as registered dietitians and nutrition professionals who deliver these services. Additionally, the bill expands the authority of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and clinical psychologists to refer patients for these covered services.
Key provisions
- Expansion of covered medical conditions. The bill extends Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy to include individuals with obesity, eating disorders, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other specified conditions.
- Broadening of authorized referral sources. In addition to physicians, the bill allows physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to refer patients for these services. Clinical psychologists are also authorized to make referrals specifically for the treatment of eating disorders.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
This bill amends Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand existing Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy services. It modifies current law by extending coverage to additional medical conditions beyond diabetes and kidney disease and by allowing referrals from a broader range of healthcare providers, including physician assistants and nurse practitioners.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to expand the availability of medical nutrition therapy services under Medicare by extending coverage to individuals with additional health conditions, such as obesity, cancer, and eating disorders, and by allowing a broader range of healthcare providers to refer patients for these services.