Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2026
Key claim: The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2026 would expand Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy beyond diabetes and kidney disease to obesity, eating disorders, cancer, and HIV/AIDS, and allow referrals by PAs, NPs, clinical nurse specialists, and (for eating disorders) clinical psychologists.
Abstract
(S3934 · 119th Congress) Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2026 This bill expands Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services. Currently, Medicare covers such services for individuals with diabetes or kidney disease under certain circumstances; such services must also be provided by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional pursuant to a physician referral. The bill extends coverage to individuals with other diseases and conditions, including obesity, eating disorders, cancer, and HIV/AIDS; such services may also be referred by a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or (for eating disorders) a clinical psychologist. Latest action (2026-02-26): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S709)
Why this matters
Medical nutrition therapy is currently a narrow Medicare benefit limited to diabetes and kidney disease patients referred by physicians. Expanding covered conditions to obesity, eating disorders, cancer, and HIV/AIDS — and letting PAs, NPs, CNSs, and (for eating disorders) clinical psychologists refer — would materially widen which beneficiaries can access dietitian services and reduce referral bottlenecks in settings where physicians are not the primary treating clinician.