A few weeks ago, Senators Susan Collins and Gary Peters, along with Representatives Mike Kelly and Jen Kiggans, introduced the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act—a crucial piece of bipartisan legislation currently under consideration in Congress.
As registered dietitians and co-founders of Culina Health, a clinical nutrition care organization committed to improving access to medical nutrition therapy (MNT), we strongly believe in the critical importance of this bill. It marks a significant step forward in advancing healthcare, preventing chronic diseases, reducing healthcare costs, and addressing the diverse nutritional needs of our nation.
We anticipate this legislation will play a vital role in improving the quality of life for individuals in communities across the nation, and we urge Congress to prioritize its passage. This proposed legislation not only aligns with our mission at Culina Health—which focuses on providing inclusive, accessible and affordable nutrition care—but also has the potential to revolutionize the landscape of nutrition care in the United States.
As passionate advocates for this important cause, we wholeheartedly endorse the MNT Act for several reasons:
The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act will increase access to essential nutrition care, especially for people in underserved communities. MNT coverage is particularly important for seniors living with gastrointestinal disease, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, eating disorders, cancer, and other chronic conditions. One study found that older adults with cancer saw significant improvements after receiving MNT from a registered dietitian. Outcomes included improved quality of life, lower risk of malnutrition, and fewer unplanned hospitalizations during treatment.
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in preventing and managing chronic disease. Nearly 80% of seniors have at least one chronic condition and 50% have two or more, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. As registered dietitians, we work with older adults to make dietary and lifestyle changes that can significantly improve their health. Aside from reduced disease risk and slower disease progression, medical nutrition therapy can help seniors feel more energized, lose excess weight, and increase their protein and nutrient intake.
Medical nutrition therapy leads to positive health outcomes and lower healthcare costs for seniors living with chronic diseases. However, taking care of our senior population means more than just keeping them healthy and lowering their medical bills. It’s about helping them maintain fulfilling and independent lives so they can age with dignity. By expanding coverage for MNT under Medicare, we can reach a higher risk population, increase life expectancy and improve quality of life for seniors.
The data doesn’t lie. We know that over 300 million Americans have a nutrition-related chronic condition, yet 99.8% of the U.S. population has never seen a registered dietitian. By expanding coverage for MNT, we align ourselves with evidence-based practices that have the potential to improve health outcomes and quality of life for millions of vulnerable and high-risk Americans.
At Culina Health, we’ve seen the positive effects of medical nutrition therapy firsthand. After making and maintaining diet and lifestyle changes, our patients have lost 5-10% of their body weight on average. This includes older adults living with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases, and liver disease.
The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act is supported by more than 40 healthcare professional organizations, including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, the American Institute for Cancer Research, the Celiac Disease Foundation, and the Endocrine Society. We’re proud to add Culina Health to the list and urge all members of our community to join us in supporting this bill. By championing this legislation, we are one step closer to a future where nutrition care is not just a privilege but a fundamental right for everyone. Let’s come together to create a healthier and more vibrant America.
If you’re as passionate about this cause as we are, please share this post and let your voice be heard. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless individuals and contribute to the well-being of our nation.
