Reps. Chu, Fitzpatrick, Blunt Rochester, and Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Nutrition CARE Act to Expand Access to Eating Disorders Treatment for Seniors
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL), and Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced the Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders (Nutrition CARE) Act of 2024. This bill would expand access to care for Medicare beneficiaries with eating disorders by including coverage of outpatient medical nutrition therapy through Medicare Part B. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is the process of providing treatment and recovery around food and nutrition from a registered dietitian to address the complex nature of eating disorders.
Successful and comprehensive treatment of this mental illness includes psychiatric, therapeutic, medical, and medical nutrition therapy services. However, MNT is not currently covered for eating disorders under Medicare Part B. This lack of coverage leaves the full scope of treatment out of reach for seniors and people with disabilities with eating disorders.
“Eating disorders are often thought of as a young person’s disease, but the prevalence of eating disorders among seniors is consistent with the general population and when left untreated can lead to heart failure, kidney failure, diabetes, hypoglycemia, and more,” said Rep. Chu. “We know this can be prevented with treatment and therapy, but only if those are made accessible to seniors. That’s why I’m joining my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to introduce the Nutrition CARE Act to provide patients with Medicare coverage a more comprehensive, specialized approach to combating eating disorders.”
“An estimated 28 million Americans face eating disorder challenges that put their health in danger,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan Nutrition CARE Act will ensure that Medicare covers critical treatment for those who need it most.”
“I am proud to stand with my colleagues across the aisle to reintroduce the Nutrition CARE Act, a bill that ensures our healthcare system is responsive to the needs of all Medicare beneficiaries, including those battling eating disorders,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “The inclusion of Medical Nutrition Therapy under Medicare Part B recognizes the critical role of nutrition in mental and physical health and will help improve health outcomes for millions of Americans.”
“I am pleased to join this bipartisan legislation that increases access to necessary treatments for Medicare beneficiaries suffering from eating disorders,” said Rep. Bacon. “Complete care is necessary when treating these disorders, and Medical Nutrition Therapy for seniors and persons with disabilities is needed, in addition to three other cornerstones of treatment: psychiatry, psychological and medical.”
“As a 68-year-old Medicare beneficiary who has been battling anorexia nervosa for over 50 years, I recently needed a consultation and advice from a dietitian,” said Wendy R. Levine, EDC Ambassador. “Because of the Medicare Part B policy of only covering MNT for patients who have diabetes or kidney disease, I was left to fend for myself. Every 52 minutes, someone tragically dies as a direct result of an eating disorder. The Nutrition CARE Act will enable people to get the help they need and save many lives.”
“The EDC is committed to increasing access to comprehensive eating disorder care, particularly for individuals whose conditions are often overlooked and/or undertreated,” said Dr. Christine Peat, PhD, FAED, LP, EDC Board of Directors President. “The Nutrition CARE Act represents a crucial advancement in the ability for individuals with eating disorders to access the full suite of services they need to achieve full and lasting recovery, and we are thrilled to have bipartisan support in this effort.”
Click here for bill text.