HB5219 Summary

• Establishes a Prescription Produce Program under the Department of Healthcare and Family Services allowing cancer patients eligible for medical assistance to receive coverage for fresh produce prescribed by a licensed physician as part of cancer treatment.

• Provides eligible cancer patients with Prescription Produce Program coupons redeemable at participating food retailers, including farmers markets in food deserts and grocery stores accepting SNAP benefits.

• Authorizes the Department to offer incentives to food retailers to participate in the program and to adopt necessary rules for implementation.

• Amends the Illinois Insurance Code to permit group and individual health insurance policies and managed care plans amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after the Act's effective date to provide coverage for fresh food prescribed by a physician for cancer treatment, defined as fresh food grown in the earth including fruits, vegetables, and grain.

• Establishes findings that social factors affect cancer risk, Illinois has higher cancer rates than U.S. average with disparities among certain groups, access to fresh food is important for health, and food deserts limit access to healthy food in low-income communities.