AAP Says Special Foods For Medical Conditions Should Be Reimbursed

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AAP Says Special Foods For Medical Conditions Should Be Reimbursed

May 6, 2003

(American Academy of Pediatrics) -- Many childhood chronic diseases,

such as inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, cancer, and

congenital heart disease, are associated with increased nutritional

requirements, as they may cause poor dietary intake or decreased

intestinal absorption of nutrients. Poor nutrition can contribute to

increased risk of infections, inadequate growth, and adversely affect

response to treatment. Children with neurological diseases or

neurological impairment may require special nutritional supplements and

feeding approaches.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in an updated policy

statement, calls on states to enact legislation requiring health

insurance providers to reimburse expenses for special dietary use of

foods. The policy, entitled " Reimbursement for Foods for Special Dietary

Use, " defines these foods as those whose costs are over and above costs

for usual foods, as well as any equipment needed to administer the

foods.

At this time, third-party payments for foods for special dietary use is

inconsistent, and state statutes regarding reimbursement vary widely.

This often is an economic burden for affected families.

A model bill (Pediatric Medical Nutrition Support Act) for proposed

legislation is available on the AAP Web site at

http://www.aap.org/policy/m972.html