Comment on CMS-2026-2377-0002

I am in strong support of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposal to establish national payment for individual and group health and well-being coaching services under CPT codes 0591T, 0592T, and 0593T. As a Board-Certified Nurse Coach (NC-BC) and Registered Nurse with more than a decade of experience in healthcare leadership, I have witnessed the limitations of a healthcare system that often focuses primarily on treating illness after it occurs. Lasting health improvements require more than education alone—they require behavior change, accountability, motivation, and individualized support. Health and Well-Being Coaching fills this gap by partnering with individuals to identify their own goals, overcome barriers, build confidence, and create sustainable lifestyle changes. This patient-centered approach complements the work of physicians, nurses, therapists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals by helping patients implement the recommendations they receive. For Medicare beneficiaries, coaching has the potential to improve management of chronic conditions, increase medication adherence, encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors, reduce preventable hospitalizations, and improve overall quality of life. It also aligns with CMS’s continued emphasis on prevention, value-based care, and whole-person health. As both a nurse and a Board-Certified Nurse Coach, I have seen how empowering individuals to become active participants in their own health leads to greater engagement and long-term success than simply providing information. Coaching is not a replacement for medical care—it is an evidence-informed, collaborative service that strengthens patient outcomes, supports the healthcare team, and helps bridge the gap between clinical recommendations and real-life implementation. I commend CMS for recognizing the growing evidence supporting Health and Well-Being Coaching and for considering its integration into Medicare. Finalizing this proposal would expand access to credentialed health and wellness coaches, promote prevention and self-management, and help improve both patient outcomes and the sustainability of our healthcare system. Thank you for your consideration and for your commitment to advancing innovative, patient-centered approaches that improve the health and well-being of Medicare beneficiaries.