H.R.2495 - Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders Act of 2025; Nutrition CARE Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2495, the Nutrition CARE Act of 2025, aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include coverage of medical nutrition therapy services for individuals with eating disorders under Medicare. The bill highlights the prevalence and severity of eating disorders, emphasizing their high mortality rates and significant economic costs. It proposes to expand Medicare coverage to include outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential treatment levels for medical nutrition therapy.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would likely increase access to medical nutrition therapy for Medicare beneficiaries with eating disorders. This could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs associated with complications from eating disorders. It also sets specific timeframes for therapy coverage, ensuring a minimum level of care.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to essential medical nutrition therapy for Medicare beneficiaries with eating disorders.
- Potential reduction in mortality rates associated with eating disorders.
- Decreased healthcare costs related to hospitalizations and emergency room visits due to eating disorder complications.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
- Early diagnosis and treatment for elderly individuals, mitigating serious comorbidities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Medicare spending due to expanded coverage.
- Potential administrative burden for healthcare providers in complying with new coverage guidelines.
- Possible limitations imposed by the Secretary on the duration and scope of medical nutrition therapy services.
- Risk of fraud or abuse related to billing for medical nutrition therapy services.
- The bill does not address the root causes of eating disorders, focusing solely on treatment.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the health and well-being of a specific population (Medicare beneficiaries with eating disorders). Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States. The expansion of Medicare benefits falls under this purview.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).