CA AB1644

Makes medically supportive food and nutrition interventions a covered Medi-Cal benefit effective July 1, 2026, when determined medically necessary by a health care provider or plan.

Requires enrollees to be offered at least 3 of 6 food interventions (medically tailored meals, medically supportive meals, food pharmacy, medically tailored groceries, medically supportive groceries, or produce prescriptions) for a minimum 12-week duration.

Nutrition supports (coaching, cooking education, health coaching) are covered only when paired with food provision and do not count toward the minimum 3-intervention requirement.

Establishes a medically supportive food and nutrition benefit stakeholder advisory workgroup to advise the Department of Health Care Services on eligible populations, duration, dosage, rates, permitted providers, and provider education by July 1, 2026.

Requires health care providers to match intervention intensity to patient acuity, include culturally appropriate foods when possible, and allow for longer coverage periods if medically necessary.