The Academy's Medicaid Mapping Project set out to understand how states cover and regulate Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). MNT, delivered by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), is a proven, cost-effective approach to preventing and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity, helping people improve their health through personalized nutrition care. However, access to these services isn't consistent across the country — especially for those covered by Medicaid.
The project's goal was to identify where people have access to care from RDNs — and where barriers still exist. The findings revealed significant differences between states, with wide variation in coverage policies, licensure requirements and billing practices. These gaps limit access to care for millions of people who could benefit from RDN services. This work gives the Academy a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities to expand access to high-quality nutrition care — and a roadmap to guide advocacy and policy change at the state level.
Academy members and visitors to eatrightPRO.org are encouraged to explore the state-specific PDFs and national summary to better understand their state's coverage landscape. These tools can help RDNs and state affiliates advocate for stronger policies, engage with Medicaid officials and collaborate with other key decision-makers, such as public health departments, provider groups and community organizations. Whether you're seeking to expand coverage, improve reimbursement or educate partners, these materials are designed to support your efforts in advancing access to MNT through Medicaid.
Learn more about Medicaid and access your state's Medicaid MNT Coverage details.
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