Join the Effort: Contact Your Legislator Today!
We are pleased to share that the bipartisan Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Act of 2025 (H.R. 6199) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02). Securing insurance coverage for registered dietitian visits for celiac disease patients is a priority for the Celiac Disease Foundation, and we are encouraged to see progress toward this goal.
Why this matters for the celiac disease community:
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is not currently covered under Medicare Part B for celiac disease, despite the fact that the only treatment currently available for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. Access to a trained dietitian is essential for helping patients understand how to follow the gluten-free diet, prevent accidental gluten exposure, and reduce the risk of complications such as persistent symptoms, nutrient deficiencies, and unintentional weight changes.
The MNT Act of 2025 would change this by expanding Medicare Part B coverage of outpatient MNT services to include several currently uncovered conditions, including celiac disease. This legislation would help ensure that Medicare beneficiaries, especially older adults and those with limited resources, receive access to dietitians who can support their dietary needs. Under this bill, providers such as physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and psychologists would also be able to refer patients for MNT.
“Registered dietitians are indispensable to the health and well-being of people with celiac disease. That’s why the Celiac Disease Foundation is proud to again support the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act. Expanding access to dietitian-led counseling is critical, and we urge members of Congress to pass this important legislation this session,” said Marilyn G. Geller, CEO of the Celiac Disease Foundation.
Our patient and caregiver community consistently share how difficult it is to follow a gluten-free diet in a food ecosystem that includes gluten in more than 80% of its products – while also maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. Healthcare providers strongly recommend counseling by dietitians who are experienced in celiac disease, and research shows that counseling from a registered dietitian is essential for the well-being of our community.
Your voice matters in the fight to secure these services for celiac disease patients!
Please contact your legislators today and ask them to co-sponsor this bill: celiac.org/MNT
We extend our deepest gratitude to Representatives Kelly and Kiggans for their leadership on this issue, and we urge members of Congress to pass this important legislation this session.
Learn more about the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025 and our coalition work here and here.