Nutrition CARE Act of 2025
Nutrition CARE Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Nutrition CARE Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Nutrition CARE Act would require Medicare to cover medical nutrition therapy services for people with eating disorders. These are specialized counseling and treatment services provided by registered dietitians or nutrition professionals. Currently, Medicare doesn't pay for these services, which can be a significant barrier for older adults struggling with conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. **Who It Affects & Key Details:** The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries (generally people 65 and older, plus some younger people with disabilities) who have eating disorders. To receive coverage, patients must be referred by a doctor, psychologist, or other licensed mental health professional.
This ensures the services are medically necessary and coordinated with other treatment. The bill recognizes that nutrition therapy is an important part of eating disorder recovery and shouldn't require patients to pay out-of-pocket. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it hasn't been voted on by the full House of Representatives yet. It was introduced by Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) and would need to pass committee review, a House vote, Senate approval, and presidential signature to become law.
CRS Official Summary
Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders Act of 2025 or the Nutrition CARE Act of 2025This bill provides for Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services for individuals with eating disorders. Such services must be furnished by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional pursuant to a referral from a physician, psychologist, or other authorized mental health professional.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.