Some US states are testing Medicaid coverage for healthy food
In the fall of 2022, the Biden administration issued a national strategy to address issues in hunger…In the fall of 2022, the Biden administration issued a national strategy to address issues in hunger, nutrition, and health. Included in that document is information on the idea of expanding health insurance coverage for nutrition support and education.
Under a federal pilot program, a number of states are using Medicaid funds to cover healthy food costs for Medicaid recipients. Ultimately, the trial program seeks to determine whether nutrition support can help prevent and manage certain chronic illnesses related to diet.
The pilot program’s structure varies across different states, as do the criteria regarding which Medicaid recipients are eligible to take part. In some instances, Medicaid benefits may cover nutrition counseling, grocery store gift cards, “food prescriptions” for fruits and vegetables, and more.
