Passage of the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act, reintroduced in November in the US House of Representatives, is an effective solution to address the costly, continued rise of diet-related chronic diseases in America—many of which can be remedied with MNT delivered by an RDN.
“Despite proven success, medical nutrition therapy continues to be underutilized and under covered across our health care system, including Medicare,” says Deanne Brandstetter, MBA, RD, CDN, FAND, the Academy’s 2025-26 president. “Currently, Medicare covers MNT for people with kidney disease and diabetes. With this bill, coverage of MNT would expand to include other chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, and Americans will see overall health improvements, from weight management and lower blood pressure to improved blood lipids and blood sugar control.”
The Academy and the supporting 64 health organizations, thank US Reps. Robin Kelly (Illinois) and Jen Kiggans (Virginia) for introducing the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025 in the 119th US Congress.
Under the proposed bill, MNT coverage under Medicare Part B would be extended to people with the following:
- cancer;
- CVD;
- dyslipidemia;
- eating disorders;
- gastrointestinal diseases, including celiac disease;
- HIV/AIDS;
- hypertension;
- malnutrition;
- obesity;
- prediabetes; and
- unintentional weight loss.
A recent estimate by Avalere found that if expanded MNT services were covered and utilized, the potential reduction in inpatient and outpatient visits could be associated with savings of over $33 million per year.
“America’s health is at a crossroads and with the current spotlight on nutrition, the time to act is now,” Brandstetter says. “Increasing access to MNT provided by RDNs is a practical, cost-effective way to improve health outcomes, prevent complications and reduce health care spending. It’s one of many steps we must take to address the nation’s health concerns.”
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and 64 supporting health organizations call on the MNT Act to be reintroduced in the US Senate and for the bill’s swift passage.
— Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics