Rutherford Improves Access to Medically Necessary Food
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) joined Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) to introduce H.R. 6892, the Medical Nutrition Equity Act, which would cover medically necessary food, vitamins, and individual amino acids for Americans with digestive and inherited metabolic disorders. Without this necessary nutrition, patients can face severe health risks including unnecessary surgery, hospitalization, intellectual disability, or death.
“Our health systems must be structured to support innovative treatments,” said Congressman Rutherford. “As co-chair of the Crohn’s and Colitis Caucus, where I advocate for those living with digestive diseases, I am excited to join Rep. McGovern to introduce this important legislation that would make medically necessary nutrition more easily accessible to patients across our nation.”
“I’ve heard devastating stories from constituents struggling to access medically necessary formulas to keep themselves or their child healthy,” said Congressman McGovern. “As a dad and husband, I can’t imagine not being able to access the food your child or your partner depends on to live. To me this is simple: no one should struggle getting medically necessary formulas, and insurance companies shouldn’t be creating more barriers to receiving proper care. Our bill cuts through the red tape and ensures those with inherited metabolic diseases or gastrointestinal conditions can access the nutrition they need.”
Approximately 2,000 infants every year are diagnosed with an inherited metabolic disorder. When left untreated, inherited metabolic diseases or gastrointestinal conditions can cause the body to fail to absorb necessary nutrients and food can even become toxic. Inability to access specialty formulas forces patients to go without adequate nutrition or seek hospitalization to maintain nutrition levels. Already, 40 states require coverage of medically necessary nutrition, but coverage is highly variable from state-to-state and does not apply to patients covered by private sector health plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
This bill builds on the precedent of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, which improved coverage for medical nutrition for military families enrolled in TRICARE so more Americans can access medically necessary nutrition.
Read the full bill text here.
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