Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2023

On November 14th, 2023, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2023, S. 3297, 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. Congresswomen Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA) also introduced its companion bill, H.R. 6407, in the House of Representatives.

This legislation would expand Medicare Part B coverage of outpatient MNT 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.