Understanding S1971: Nutrition CARE Act of 2025

The Nutrition CARE Act of 2025 proposes changes to the existing Medicare Part B coverage. Currently, Medicare covers medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for conditions like diabetes and kidney disease but not for eating disorders. This bill aims to change that by including coverage for MNT services specifically for individuals diagnosed with eating disorders. Under this bill, qualified healthcare providers, such as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), would offer these services. The therapy would include dietary assessments, eating disorder screenings, and support in developing healthy food attitudes. It would also focus on nutrient repletion to help individuals achieve a healthy body weight and build support systems for long-term recovery. By amending title XVIII of the Social Security Act, the bill ensures that people with eating disorders can access the same level of care as those with other medical conditions. This change acknowledges eating disorders as serious medical conditions that require comprehensive treatment, including nutritional support.

This bill could have a significant impact on the lives of Medicare beneficiaries, particularly seniors and disabled individuals who develop eating disorders later in life. By providing coverage for MNT, the bill aims to improve access to essential care for these vulnerable populations. Eating disorders are among the deadliest mental health conditions, with high mortality rates. By integrating nutrition therapy into their treatment, the bill could help reduce these rates by promoting nutritional recovery and preventing complications. For everyday Americans, this means better support for loved ones who might be struggling with these disorders, potentially preventing costly emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

- Fills a major coverage gap in Medicare for essential MNT services: The bill mandates coverage for eating disorders, enabling access to proven interventions like dietary screening and behavior change. - Addresses the massive scale of untreated eating disorders: With over 30 million people affected, the bill would boost access for Medicare-eligible seniors and disabled individuals. - Reduces one of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric conditions: MNT integration could lower deaths by promoting nutritional recovery and preventing complications like organ failure. - Improves treatment outcomes with evidence-based nutrition care: Studies show RDN involvement enhances recovery rates and reduces relapse. - Supports holistic, multidisciplinary care: MNT complements therapy and medical care, fostering community support and long-term behavioral changes.

- Potential added costs to Medicare: Expanding coverage could increase Medicare expenses, impacting the program's budget. - Scope creep for MNT coverage: Some may worry that expanding coverage for eating disorders could lead to further expansions, increasing costs. - No explicit opposition documented: As a narrowly targeted expansion, it has not drawn documented opposition, but concerns about budget impact remain.