Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2021
On May 10, 2021, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced bipartisan legislation, S.1536, to expand Medicare beneficiaries’ access to Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), which is a cost-effective component of treatment for celiac disease, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and other chronic conditions.
On May 11 of this year, U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Fred Upton (R-MI) introduced a companion bill, H.R.3108, in the House of Representatives.
The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2021 would expand Medicare Part B coverage of outpatient medical nutrition therapy services to a number of currently uncovered diseases or conditions—including celiac disease, prediabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, malnutrition, eating disorders, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. Currently, Medicare Part B only covers outpatient MNT for diabetes, renal disease, and post-kidney transplant. The legislation would also allow more types of providers—including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and psychologists—to refer patients to MNT.
Please join us in asking your Members of Congress to cosponsor this important piece of legislation to make medical nutrition therapy visits, a recommended tool for dietary adherence, covered for Medicare beneficiaries.
