Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]
- Committees
- Ways and Means Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Nov 20, 2025
Bottom line
The bill dramatically expands Medicare beneficiaries' access to medical nutrition therapy for a wide array of chronic conditions and increases the types of healthcare providers who can refer patients for these services.
What it actually does
This bill significantly expands Medicare coverage for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services by broadening the list of chronic conditions for which these services are covered and by allowing a wider range of healthcare professionals to refer patients for MNT. It aims to make MNT accessible for conditions such as obesity, hypertension, cancer, and eating disorders, beyond the current coverage for diabetes and renal disease.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that expanding MNT coverage is crucial for preventing, delaying, treating, and managing a wide array of chronic conditions prevalent among Medicare beneficiaries, particularly racial and ethnic minority groups, and that MNT is a cost-effective component of treatment for many diseases.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might raise concerns about the increased costs to the Medicare program associated with expanding coverage to a much larger population and a wider range of conditions, as well as potential administrative burdens on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The bill is short and straightforward, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions.
Section 3(a)(2)(B), adding new paragraph (4) to Section 1861(vv) of the Social Security Act
Expansion of Covered Diseases and Conditions for Medical Nutrition Therapy
This provision significantly expands the list of chronic conditions for which Medicare Part B beneficiaries can receive Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). Currently limited to diabetes and renal disease, the bill adds prediabetes, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, malnutrition, eating disorders, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases (including Celiac disease), HIV, AIDS, and cardiovascular disease. It also grants the Secretary of Health and Human Services authority to add other conditions related to unintentional weight loss or where MNT is medically necessary.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this expansion aligns Medicare coverage with clinical guidelines and the recognized medical necessity of MNT for a wide range of chronic diseases, improving health equity and potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs by preventing complications.
Critics contend
Potential opponents may argue that this broad expansion could lead to substantial increases in Medicare expenditures, and that the cost-effectiveness for all newly included conditions needs more rigorous evaluation.
Tradeoffs
Balances the desire to improve health outcomes and align with clinical best practices against concerns about the financial sustainability of the Medicare program and potential increases in utilization.
Section 3(a)(2)(A)(ii), amending Section 1861(vv)(1) of the Social Security Act
Expansion of Referring Healthcare Professionals
This provision expands the types of healthcare professionals who can refer Medicare beneficiaries for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services. Previously limited to physicians, the bill now allows physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and, for eating disorders, clinical psychologists, to refer patients for MNT.
Section 3(a)(2)(A)(iii), adding a new sentence to Section 1861(vv)(1) of the Social Security Act
Exclusion for Renal Disease Patients on Maintenance Dialysis
This provision clarifies that the expanded MNT services do not include services furnished for the prevention, management, or treatment of a renal disease if the individual is already receiving maintenance dialysis for which payment is made under section 1881 of the Social Security Act. This prevents duplicate coverage for MNT services already integrated into dialysis care.
Section 3(c)
Effective Date of Amendments
The amendments made by this Act, which expand Medicare coverage for MNT services, will apply to items and services furnished in years beginning on or after the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act. This provides a two-year lead time for implementation.