HB 6857 Summary

• Commissioner of Social Services shall apply for a federal Medicaid waiver under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act for a three-year pilot program to provide Medicaid coverage for produce prescriptions for eligible enrollees with certain health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, food allergies, celiac disease, and obesity.

• Eligible Medicaid enrollees may receive vouchers or electronic debit cards restricted to purchases of fruits and vegetables without added salt, sugar, or fat prescribed by physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, certified dietitian-nutritionists, or certified diabetes educators.

• Commissioner shall submit reports by January 15, 2024, 2025, and 2026 to the human services committee detailing participant numbers, health outcomes (blood sugar, blood pressure, serum lipids), food insecurity effects, and cost-benefit analysis compared to health improvements.

• Commissioner shall convene a working group by August 1, 2023, to develop recommendations for integrating medically tailored meals and medically tailored food into the state's medical assistance program, with the group providing recommendations by January 1, 2024.

• Working group membership includes representatives from Social Services, Agriculture, Aging and Disability Services, a certified dietitian-nutritionist, an academic professional, two Medicaid enrollees, and appointees from House and Senate human services committees.