Take Action!
On November 14, 2023, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act, bipartisan legislation that would expand Medicare beneficiaries’ access to Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), a cost-effective method to treat obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and other chronic conditions. The bill was originally introduced in 2020.
What would change?
Under the proposed bill, MNT coverage under Medicare Part B would be now be extended to people with:
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Dyslipidemia
• Eating disorders
• Gastrointestinal diseases including celiac disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Hypertension
• Malnutrition
• Obesity
• Prediabetes
• Unintentional weight loss
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.
What can you do to help?
Take 5 minutes of your time to let your legislator know you support the bill. The Academy makes is easy for you.
The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act is supported by more than 40 expert national organizations, including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Diabetes Association, the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, the American Academy of PAs, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, the American Heart Association, the American Institute for Cancer Research, and the Endocrine Society.
A message from The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:
"We urge you to use the resources provided by the Academy to ensure that your elected officials in Washington, D.C. know your views as both voters and nutrition and food professionals. Your activism is extremely important to the success of our agenda."
Members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics have the ability and responsibility to urge consumers and lawmakers to learn about the positive role nutrition plays in promoting and maintaining healthy lifestyles. Nutrition also plays an effective role in disease management and treatment. For both individuals and society, the benefits of eating right and exercising include improved quality of life and lower health care costs.
Participate as a member by raising awareness and urging members of Congress to support important nutrition-related issues.
Meet with your local representative and sign up for action alerts. Action alerts are quick and easy, they take about 30 seconds of your time.
Members can login to the Academy:
https://www.eatrightpro.org/advocacy/take-action/action-center
Consumers can visit: