Medical Nutrition Therapy (Medicare)
Current understanding
Medicare currently covers medical nutrition therapy (MNT) services delivered by registered dietitians or nutrition professionals only for beneficiaries with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, and only when referred by a physician. Legislation has been introduced to expand both the covered conditions and the range of referring providers.
Evidence log
- 2026-10-29 — To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to exclude from the anti-kickback statute and other sanctions certain remunerations for providing food or nutrition services to individuals.: cross-connection with food-nutrition-anti-kickback-exception: The proposed anti-kickback carve-out would make it easier for providers and plans to furnish food or nutrition services alongside Medicare-covered medical nutrition therapy without fraud-and-abuse exposure. (novelty: 2)
- 2026-02-26 — Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2026: 2026 — Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2026 (introduced): would expand Medicare MNT coverage beyond diabetes and kidney disease to include obesity, eating disorders, cancer, and HIV/AIDS, and permit referrals by PAs, NPs, clinical nurse specialists, and (for eating disorders) clinical psychologists. (novelty: 3)
- 2025-03-28 — SHOPP Act of 2025: 2025 — SHOPP Act of 2025 (introduced): would expand USDA GusNIP Nutrition Incentive and Produce Prescription programs to include fresh frozen produce (and legumes for produce prescriptions) — a USDA-administered ‘food is medicine’ pathway distinct from Medicare MNT counseling but part of the broader federal nutrition-therapy landscape. (novelty: 2) (novelty: 2)
- 2025-06-18 — Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025: Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025 (introduced): adds carryout flexibility to OAA congregate meals — distinct from Medicare MNT counseling, but relevant as a parallel federal nutrition-support program for older adults. (novelty: 2)
- 2025-10-03 — Medical Foods and Formulas Access Act of 2025: 2025 — Medical Foods and Formulas Access Act of 2025 (introduced): distinct from MNT counseling services, this bill would mandate federal coverage of medically necessary foods/formulas themselves — a separate benefit category often confused with nutrition therapy. (novelty: 3) (novelty: 3)