S. 3934 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Feb 26, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryExpands Medicare nutrition therapy coverage
Medical nutrition therapy is specialized nutrition care provided by dietitians and other professionals to help manage health conditions through diet. Right now, Medicare only covers this for people with diabetes or kidney disease. This bill would expand coverage to include people with obesity, eating disorders, cancer, and HIV/AIDS, and would also allow physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and clinical psychologists to refer patients for these services, not just doctors.
How it affects you
If you're on Medicare and have obesity, an eating disorder, cancer, or HIV/AIDS, you could get coverage for professional nutrition therapy services that previously weren't covered. This means you might be able to access dietitian services to help manage your condition through nutrition guidance, with Medicare helping to pay for it instead of you covering the full cost yourself.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Feb 26, 2026)
Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2026
This bill expands Medicare coverage of medical nutrition therapy services.
Currently, Medicare covers such services for individuals with diabetes or kidney disease under certain circumstances; such services must also be provided by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional pursuant to a physician referral. The bill extends coverage to individuals with other diseases and conditions, including obesity, eating disorders, cancer, and HIV/AIDS; such services may also be referred by a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or (for eating disorders) a clinical psychologist.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionS. 3934
A BILL
Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2026
Sponsor: Sen. Susan M. Collins (R-ME) · Introduced Feb 26, 2026 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Feb 26, 2026: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S709)”