Nutrition CARE Act of 2023 Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders Act of 2023
If enacted, this bill would significantly enhance Medicare's scope of coverage, allowing beneficiaries diagnosed with eating disorders to access essential nutrition therapy that is currently not covered. Under the proposed legislation, beginning January 1, 2024, beneficiaries would be eligible for individualized therapy sessions managed by registered dietitians or nutrition professionals. The bill mandates at least 13 hours of therapy within the first year, indicating a structured approach to tackle these complex disorders effectively.
SB3010, also known as the Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders Act of 2023, aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act by expanding Medicare coverage to include medical nutrition therapy services for individuals with eating disorders. This legislation comes in response to alarming statistics regarding eating disorders in the United States, where around 9% of the population will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. The bill underscores the high mortality rate associated with these disorders and the critical need for comprehensive treatment options, especially among vulnerable populations, including minorities and the elderly.
While the bill has garnered support from various mental health advocates who see it as a necessary step toward improving treatment for eating disorders, potential points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of resources and the implications of expanding Medicare coverage. Some concerns may be voiced by stakeholders wary of increased government spending associated with expanded health services. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding the effectiveness of implementing such therapy at the outpatient level versus more intensive treatment settings, such as residential care.