Nutrition CARE Act of 2025

This bill proposes to expand Medicare coverage to include medical nutrition therapy services for individuals diagnosed with eating disorders, with an effective date of January 1, 2026. It amends the Social Security Act to specifically add eating disorders as a condition for which these services are covered, addressing a recognized gap in current Medicare benefits. These services must be provided by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional, based on a referral from a physician, psychologist, or other authorized mental health professional. The legislation establishes coverage limits of 13 hours in the first year, which includes an initial assessment and subsequent intervention, and 4 hours in each subsequent year, though the Secretary may apply additional reasonable limitations. The bill's findings underscore the high prevalence, significant mortality rates, and substantial economic burden of eating disorders, advocating for comprehensive treatment that includes nutritional support.