S. 1971: Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders Act of 2025 (or Nutrition CARE Act), aims to expand Medicare coverage for individuals suffering from eating disorders by specifically providing coverage for medical nutrition therapy services. The key points of the bill include:

Findings

The legislation highlights several important findings about eating disorders in the United States, including:

• Approximately 28.8 million people, or 9% of the U.S. population, will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime.
• It is estimated that between 1.6 million and 2.1 million Medicare beneficiaries are affected by eating disorders, with a significant number identifying as members of minority groups.
• Eating disorders lead to over 10,000 deaths annually, reflecting one of the highest mortality rates among mental health issues, exacerbated by various medical complications.
• The yearly economic burden of eating disorders exceeds $64.7 billion, affecting both families and the healthcare system significantly.
• Older adults with eating disorders are at higher risk for serious health issues due to pre-existing conditions, making effective treatment crucial.

Coverage Changes Under Medicare

The proposed changes to Medicare coverage are significant and include:

• Definition of Eating Disorders: The bill aims to define eating disorders in accordance with the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association.
• Inclusion of Medical Nutrition Therapy: Medicare would cover medical nutrition therapy services for individuals with eating disorders. This therapy will focus on nutritional assessments and dietary planning as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
• Provider Requirements: Services must be provided by registered dietitians or nutrition professionals upon referral from a physician or psychologist, ensuring that the care is integrated within medical and psychological treatment frameworks.
• Minimum Service Hours: The bill outlines a minimum of 13 hours of nutrition therapy services in the first year and additional hours for continued care, supporting the management of eating disorders through sustained nutritional intervention.
• Flexibility in Implementation: The bill allows for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish reasonable limitations on the provision of these services to ensure effective implementation.

Implementation Timeline

The provisions of this bill are set to take effect starting January 1, 2026, providing time for the necessary adjustments within the Medicare program to accommodate these new coverage options.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this legislation are to:

• Enhance access to necessary nutritional therapy for Medicare beneficiaries with eating disorders.
• Improve the overall treatment outcomes for individuals with eating disorders through comprehensive care that includes nutrition as a core component.
• Decrease the economic burden associated with eating disorders by promoting effective treatment and management strategies.

Relevant Companies

None found