Earlier this year MAOFP presented a resolution in favor of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) coverage expansion for patients with a diagnosis of obesity and morbid obesity. The resolution was approved by the ACOFP Congress of Delegates. Now, ACOFP submitted a letter of support for S. 1536/H.R. 3108, the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2021, introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Gary Peters (D-MI) and Representatives Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Fred Upton (R-MI).

Currently, Medicare only covers MNT when a patient is diagnosed with diabetes or renal disease. The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2021 would expand Medicare Part B coverage for MNT services for patients diagnosed with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, malnutrition, cardiovascular disease and other conditions, allowing physicians to refer more beneficiaries to dieticians and nutrition professionals to help manage a wider range of chronic diseases through MNT.