HNC Supports Legislative Solutions to Improve Patient Access
The Healthcare Nutrition Council (HNC) is committed to advocating for policies that support patient access to medically necessary and lifesaving nutrition products. As such, HNC supports the intent of the Medical Nutrition Equity Act of 2017 (MNEA) (S. 1194/H.R. 2587), which requires public and private health insurance coverage for medically necessary nutrition products and the equipment and supplies needed to administer these products/foods.
HNC recognizes the research reflected in MNEA showing that specialized foods are medically necessary for the safe and effective management of certain digestive diseases and inherited metabolic disorders that impact the digestion, absorption, and/or metabolism of nutrients. Infants, children and adults use these specialized foods (therapeutic nutrition products) to help reduce their risks of developing adverse health consequences such as hospitalization, inadequate growth, nutrient deficiencies, and even death. HNC believes medically necessary nutrition products positively contribute to the overall health and quality of life of the patients who need them. HNC continues to work with Congress and other interested organizations to encourage passage of legislation to improve access to these lifesaving products, while ensuring that existing coverage for these products is maintained.