While achieving a majority of co-sponsors does not guarantee passage of legislation, it significantly elevates the issue in the eyes of congressional leadership, Gallagher said. ADA urges Congress to pass medical nutrition therapy legislation during the 106th Congress. The evidence that good nutrition lowers medical costs is compelling. This country will save by reimbursing nutrition therapy as part of medical coverage. Medical nutrition therapy is effective in treating and controlling cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol and other life-threatening conditions.
Patients require fewer hospitalizations and medications and have fewer complications.
Independent research studies have shown the costs of extending Medicare to cover outpatient nutrition services would be offset by billions of dollars in savings in other treatment areas in as few as four years. There is now no consistent pattern of coverage for nutrition services, either under Medicare or in the private sector. ADA hopes Congress will recognize this high level of support for medical nutrition therapy coverage as it considers options to reform Medicare in hopes of securing the long-term solvency and security of the program. With nearly 70,000 members, the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting nutrition, health and well-being.