December 18, 2000

Medical Nutrition Therapy Act Passed

The American Dietetic Association commends Congress for new Medicare benefit.

Washington, DC - Congress today approved legislation that would provide America's senior citizens with access to medical nutrition therapy to assist them in managing diabetes and kidney disease. The Medicare legislation, part of the omnibus appropriations measure approved as Congress completed its work for the year, also establishes registered dietitians as Medicare providers. "Today's congressional action is a monumental achievement for the nation, our seniors who rely on the Medicare program for their health care and the dietetics profession," said Jane V. White, PhD, RD, FADA, president of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). "The elderly, who struggle with diabetes and kidney disease, will now be able to work with registered dietitians to manage their disease and to prevent further complications through medical nutrition therapy."

"Medical nutrition therapy" refers to the comprehensive nutrition services provided by registered dietitians as part of an overall health care team. Medical nutrition therapy has been proven effective in treating and controlling diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol and other life-threatening conditions. Patients who receive these services require fewer hospitalizations and medications and have reduced incidence of complications.

The legislation, sponsored by Representative Nancy Johnson (R-CT) and Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Larry Craig (R-ID), calls for coverage of this new Medicare benefit beginning January 1, 2002. In the interim, the Health Care Financing Administration must promulgate regulations implementing medical nutrition therapy coverage. "ADA commends the Congress for their leadership in recognizing the critical importance of providing this vital, basic service to the Medicare population," said White. "We look forward to working with them in the near future to expand coverage to all Medicare beneficiaries."

With nearly 70,000 members, the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting nutrition, health and well-being.