Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025
Summary
The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025 aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, expanding Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy (MNT) services. Currently, MNT coverage is limited to beneficiaries with diabetes or renal disease. The bill seeks to broaden this coverage to include individuals with prediabetes, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, malnutrition, eating disorders, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, HIV/AIDS, and cardiovascular disease.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would increase access to MNT for a wider range of Medicare beneficiaries, potentially improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs associated with chronic diseases. It also expands the types of healthcare providers who can deliver these services, including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and clinical psychologists (for eating disorders).
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to medical nutrition therapy for a broader range of chronic conditions.
- Potential for improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
- Expanded scope of practice for various healthcare providers.
- Addresses health disparities by targeting conditions prevalent in minority populations.
- Promotes preventive care and management of chronic diseases through nutrition.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Medicare spending due to expanded coverage.
- Potential administrative burden for healthcare providers and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
- Risk of fraud or abuse related to MNT services.
- May not be effective for all individuals or conditions.
- The Secretary has broad discretion to add additional conditions, which could lead to unintended consequences.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to provide for the general welfare of the United States through programs like Medicare. The expansion of healthcare services aims to improve public health, which falls under the umbrella of general welfare. However, the expansion of Medicare also raises questions about the Necessary and Proper Clause, as Congress must ensure that the expansion is truly necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).