Despite overwhelming evidence of the positive impact Preventative Health and Health Promotion activities, Health Educators are not recognized as healthcare providers under the Social Security Act and, therefore, cannot be paid by Medicare for counseling and coaching services. The Social Security Act does recognize other healthcare professionals such as dieticians, physician assistants, nurse midwives, and clinical social workers.
By changing the compensation structure allowed under Medicare, we can ensure that patients have access to prevention and disease management information. Studies have shown that when individuals have health awareness and information, they develop healthier lifestyles, have lower medical costs and take fewer drugs.