During National Nutrition Month, Reps. Chu, Fitzpatrick, Tonko, and Bacon Introduce Nutrition CARE Act to Expand Access to Eating Disorders Treatment

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On the last day of National Nutrition Month, Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Don Bacon (NE-02) introduced the Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders (Nutrition CARE) Act of 2025. This bipartisan bill would expand access to care for seniors with eating disorders by including coverage of outpatient medical nutrition therapy through Medicare Part B. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is the process of providing treatment and recovery around food and nutrition from a registered dietitian to address the complex nature of eating disorders.

Successful and comprehensive treatment of this mental illness includes psychiatric, therapeutic, medical, and medical nutrition therapy services. However, MNT is not currently covered for eating disorders under Medicare Part B. This lack of coverage leaves the full scope of treatment out of reach for seniors and people with disabilities with eating disorders.

"While eating disorders are often thought of as a young person's disease, they affect seniors at rates similar to the general population. Left untreated, these disorders can lead to severe health complications such as heart failure, kidney failure, diabetes, and hypoglycemia," said Rep. Chu. "We know this can be prevented with treatment and therapy, but only if those are made accessible to seniors. That's why I'm joining my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to introduce the Nutrition CARE Act to provide patients with Medicare coverage a more comprehensive, specialized approach to combating eating disorders."

"The Nutrition CARE Act corrects a long-standing gap in Medicare by extending coverage of medical nutrition therapy to include eating disorders-putting it on par with other serious conditions like diabetes and kidney disease. This bipartisan legislation brings federal policy in line with modern clinical standards and recognizes the full continuum of care required to treat eating disorders effectively. It's a critical reform that modernizes Medicare, strengthens our healthcare system, and ensures recovery is within reach for all who need it," said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

"As with any illness, individuals living with eating disorders should be able to access affordable, quality, and compassionate care," Congressman Tonko said. "The Nutrition CARE Act delivers comprehensive nutrition counseling coverage and provides needed treatment for Medicare beneficiaries. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation that ensures access to lifesaving care."

"I am deeply grateful to Congresswoman Chu for her unwavering leadership in championing the Nutrition CARE Act, saidMolly Perlman, Chief Medical Officer of Monte Nido with treatment programs California, New York, and Pennsylvania. "This legislation recognizes the essential role that nutrition plays in recovery, expands access to critical care, and bridges the gaps in treatment that many individuals face. For those battling eating disorders, specialized nutritional support is not just important-it is a cornerstone of healing and long-term recovery. By removing longstanding barriers to access, the Nutrition CARE Act ensures that everyone, regardless of their background, can receive the comprehensive care they deserve. This is a monumental step forward in the fight against eating disorders, and we applaud Rep. Chu for her dedication to making recovery accessible for all."

Click here to read the bill text in full.