Sens. Collins and Peters Push to Expand Medicare Coverage for Nutrition Counseling to More Health Conditions

From policy text

“Coverage for medical nutrition therapy is only available to Medicare Part B beneficiaries with diabetes or a renal disease, despite medical nutrition therapy being part of the standard of care, in clinical guidelines, and medically necessary for many more chronic conditions.”

From policy text

“Over two-thirds of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries have 2 or more chronic conditions, many of which can be prevented, delayed, treated, or managed through nutrition.”

From policy text

“``(B) a physician assistant (as defined in subsection (aa)(5)); ``(C) a nurse practitioner (as defined in subsection (aa)(5)); ``(D) a clinical nurse specialist (as defined in subsection (aa)(5)(B)); or ``(E) in the case of such services furnished to manage such a disease or condition that is an eating disorder, a clinical psychologist (as defined by the Secretary).''”

From policy text

“The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to items and services furnished in years beginning on or after the date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.”

From policy text

“``(iii) for which the Secretary determines the services described in paragraph (1) are medically necessary, consistent either with protocols established by registered dietitian or nutrition professional organizations or with accepted clinical guidelines identified by the Secretary.''”