Medicare currently only covers medical nutrition therapy — personalized counseling from a registered dietitian — for patients with diabetes or kidney disease, even though nutrition is a proven part of managing many other chronic conditions. This bill would expand that benefit to cover obesity, prediabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, cancer, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, malnutrition, celiac disease, and more. It also lets nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists order nutrition therapy services, not just physicians. With over two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries living with two or more chronic conditions, the expansion could reach a significant number of seniors.
Congressional Summary
Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2026This 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.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- Senate
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in Senate
- Action Date
- 2026-02-26
- Date Added
- 2026-03-30