Congress recently passed a new Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government funded through September 30, 2025, and includes several key provisions relevant to Academy members.
Key Provisions in the CR
Extension of Telehealth Flexibilities Through September 30, 2025 – This maintains temporary expansions for telehealth services, including eligibility for additional providers, continued use by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and allowances for audio-only telehealth and telehealth for hospice face-to-face encounters.
Food and Nutrition Program Funding – The CR continues entitlements under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, providing $7.6 billion for the WIC Program and $516 million for the Commodity Assistance Program, including $425 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
Health Program Extensions – Funding continues for:
- Community Health Centers, National Health Service Corps, and Graduate Medical Education programs
- The Special Diabetes Program
- Medicare-related provisions, including add-on payments for ambulance services, hospital payment adjustments, and the geographic index floor for physician payments
What This Means for Dietitians?
This CR serves as a temporary stopgap measure, extending certain provisions but leaving critical issues unaddressed. It maintains certain telehealth flexibilities such as audio-only visits and services provided through FQHCs. However, even if or when these flexibilities expire, dietitians will still be able to provide MNT via telehealth under Medicare, though with different rules.
It also sustains funding for WIC and other food assistance programs, ensuring continued support for low-income families. However, the CR fails to address key concerns such as the Medicare Conversion Factor, which directly impacts Medicare Part B payments to RDNs, as well as broader food security programs and essential Medicare and Medicaid policies.
What is the Academy Doing?
The Academy remains committed to promoting evidence-based nutrition information and advocating for policies that improve access to quality care, ensuring credible nutrition expertise is integrated into policies and conversations shaping national health.
The Academy has released multiple action alerts, open to Academy members and the public, to share with federally elected officials. These action alerts raise awareness and bring key health and nutrition issues to the attention of policymakers. Current action alerts include:
- Supporting Nutrition Research and Protecting Public Health
- Opposing Changes to SNAP and the National School Lunch Program
- Protecting Medicare Patient Access to Medical Nutrition Therapy
Recently the Academy introduced a dedicated online hub, accessible to both members and the public, to counter common nutrition myths and showcase the expertise of RDNs, and providing research-driven facts, helping to further the recognition of RDNs as the leading voices in nutrition and health.
For the most up to date information, visit eatrightpro.com/advocacy.
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