CMS Takes a Historic Step Toward Recognizing Health & Wellness Coaching
On July 14, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule that, for the first time, includes reimbursement pathways for health and wellness coaching services provided by appropriately qualified practitioners.
While this proposal is not yet final, it represents a significant milestone in the continued integration of health and wellness coaching into the U.S. healthcare system. This proposed rule reflects years of collaboration among healthcare leaders, researchers, advocates, and organizations committed to advancing the profession.
The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) has remained actively engaged throughout this process and is committed to keeping our community informed as the rulemaking process moves forward.
How NBHWC Is Engaged
NBHWC actively reviews proposed federal policies and collaborates with policy experts, healthcare organizations, and other key stakeholders to evaluate their potential impact on the health and wellness coaching profession.Â
Throughout the public comment period, NBHWC will provide timely updates, educational resources, and practical guidance to help Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWCs), education and training programs, employers, and the broader health and wellness coaching community understand the proposal and participate in the federal rulemaking process.
Our goal is to equip Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWCs) and the broader coaching community with information and resources to support the submission of informed, meaningful comments that help shape the future of Health & Wellness Coaching.
The public comment period is open through September 14, 2026.
The Proposed Rule will be finalized and published between October and November 2026 to impact FY2027.Â
Why This Matters
Recognizes the Importance of Behavior Change
The proposed rule recognizes the value of health and wellness coaching in supporting behavior change, helping individuals improve health outcomes, manage chronic conditions, and adopt sustainable lifestyle habits.
Expands Potential Access to Care
If finalized, the proposal could expand access to health and wellness coaching services for Medicare beneficiaries, increasing opportunities for individuals to receive evidence-based support to improve their health and well-being.
Advances Integration in Healthcare
The proposed rule represents a meaningful step toward integrating health and wellness coaching into the healthcare system by supporting collaborative, person-centered approaches to improving health outcomes.
Our History of Advocacy
2018 - 2019
The AMA CPT Editorial Panel approved Category III CPT codes (0591T–0593T) in May 2019, effective January 1, 2020. (PMC)
First nationally recognized CPT codes specifically for Health & Wellness Coaching. Created a standardized way to report coaching services.
2020
0591T (initial assessment), 0592T (follow-up), 0593T (group coaching)
Allowed organizations to begin tracking utilization and, in some cases, seek payment where payers allowed.
2020
NBHWC, NCHEC, UC San Diego and numerous healthcare organizations launched a national utilization data project to collect coaching use and reimbursement data needed for eventual Category I CPT application. Category III codes exist primarily to collect utilization evidence required for eventual Category I consideration.
2021-2023
(PMC)
Strengthened the evidence required by both AMA and CMS.
Late 2023
(PMC)
First formal Medicare recognition pathway for the coaching CPT codes, although temporary and limited to telehealth policy.
2024
(PMC)
Summarized years of advocacy, evidence, implementation experience, and reimbursement strategy into a single reference document.
2025
NBHWC increased direct engagement with CMS, including meetings, executive summaries, and formal submissions describing reimbursement and implementation pathways. Submission of multiple formal letters and publication of CMS Advocacy FAQs.
April 2026
NBHWC continued to advance the profession through sustained engagement with CMS, including leadership meetings, formal policy submissions, and advocacy communications that support the future of health and wellness coaching.
July 2026
This includes a proposed national payment pathway for Health & Wellness Coaching services (proposal only at this stage). NBHWC is coordinating its response.
Potentially the largest reimbursement milestone to date, pending final rulemaking.
