AMAC Supports Medical Nutrition Therapy Act

This legislation should help to ensure that Americans on Medicare suffering from a variety of chronic illnesses receive the appropriate level of nutrition-based care they need to manage their conditions.  

December 18, 2023

The Honorable Susan Collins
Senator from Maine
413 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Collins,

On behalf of the over 2.1 million members of AMAC – Association of Mature American Citizens, including over 9,600 members residing in Maine, I write to offer our support for S. 3297, the “Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2023”.

Choice in medical care is critical. Choice allows medical providers and patients to determine the care modality most beneficial to effective care. Two thirds of senior Americans who depend on Medicare face two or more chronic health conditions, many of which can be ameliorated by access to robust nutrition therapy, but this choice is limited under Medicare Part B to beneficiaries with diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Eleven specific medical ailments, and other preventable conditions that lead to declining health caused by the conditions listed in Section 3(a)(2)(B) are currently not covered.

The “Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2023” should help to increase the likelihood that Americans on Medicare receive the appropriate level of nutrition-based care they need to manage their medical challenges. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), properly applied, is a cost-effective component of treatment for obesity, diabetes, hypertension, unintended weight loss and other chronic conditions that contribute to poor health outcomes and passage would support judicious use of health care dollars.

AMAC thanks you, Senator Collins, for advancing the “Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2023”. This is good and appropriate legislation that promotes the general welfare of senior Americans.

Sincerely,

Bob Carlstrom
President
AMAC Action