Some Medicaid Recipients Will Soon Receive Healthy Food Under ‘Food is Medicine Act’: What to Know
Find out what nutrition services will be covered under the act, which goes into effect in Oklahoma
Natural solutions have long been tried for those looking to manage chronic diseases. While making dietary changes can certainly have a positive impact on health, it’s often quite costly to do so. This is especially true for Medicaid members who may not be able to afford all of the healthy food that could otherwise benefit their quality of life. That could soon be changing, however, thanks to the passage of a bill in Oklahoma designed to offer nutrition services to those who need them—and an initiative that could see other states following suit. Keep reading to learn more about the Food is Medicine Act and what it means for Medicaid members.
What is the Food is Medicine Act?
The Oklahoma Legislature passed a bill in late May that will allow those using Medicaid to get access to healthy and fresh foods being supplied by programs in the Sooner State. Known as the Food is Medicine Act, the bill was drafted to specifically help Medicaid members who have nutrition-related chronic diseases.
Nutrition services such as counseling, medically tailored meals and pantry programs will be covered for those utilizing the federal health care Medicaid program to help promote a healthy lifestyle.
The act will also allow doctors to prescribe local food for those who have diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic diseases, reports Fox23.com.
Why Oklahoma passed the Food is Medicine Act?
“Food is Medicine” initiatives have been around for many years, with advocates hoping to make a widespread impact by:
- Managing and preventing chronic disease
- Alleviating food insecurity in vulnerable populations
- Providing support to communities
- Improving quality of life
- Reducing healthcare costs
The Food is Medicine Act was drafted to accomplish similar goals. Now that it has passed, the act will benefit not only those living in Oklahoma but also the agricultural industry in the state. It’s specifically helpful to keep farmers more focused on the quality of their produce instead of just the quantity they’re selling thanks to new partnerships.
“Growing local food maintains more nutrients, and when you grow it well, it has even more nutrients, which means it truly is medicine,” Erin Martin, founder of Fresh RX Oklahoma, told Fox23.com.
What does this mean for Medicaid members?
The emergency clause of the bill means that the act will soon be able to benefit those relying on the state’s Medicaid program–which provides long-term care and coverage for low-income residents. It will go into effect July 1, 2025, giving programs, medical providers and Oklahoma residents the chance to get a jump start on taking advantage of all it has to offer.
Students will also benefit, as the bill directs the State Department of Education to aid any schools applying for grants under the Oklahoma Farm to School Program. These programs allow access to fresh and healthy food from local growers that students can enjoy as part of their school meals.
Will other states follow Oklahoma’s lead?
Oklahoma isn’t the only state to have offered nutrition programs for those who rely on Medicaid. Many others have also tried “Food is Medicine” initiatives to help those who want to manage chronic diseases naturally at lower costs. California, Colorado, Illinois and New York have all tested the concept in recent years.
Medically tailored meals have been some of the most common programs, which are when healthy meals are delivered to eligible individuals at home. Nutrition counseling has also been offered for many Medicaid members as part of the testing.
It’s possible that more states may follow suit with official legislation to make this a widespread movement for all who use Medicaid. For more information on the initiative and available resources, visit the federal government’s Food Is Medicine website.
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