The bill would create a six-year Medicare Part A pilot for medically tailored meals and nutrition therapy. It would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to select at least 40 hospitals by June 30, 2027, subject to funding. Participating hospitals would screen patients when they are discharged and rescreen eligible patients every 12 weeks. Eligible patients would receive at least two meals a day, designed for their medical and cultural needs, and medical nutrition therapy. The program is intended to improve health outcomes and reduce readmissions. The Secretary would evaluate the program and report to Congress.
The program would serve certain people with Medicare Part A who have a disease affected by diet, live at home after discharge, need help with at least two daily activities, and meet other high-risk criteria. They must not receive similar benefits from another state or federal program, qualify for extended care, or have elected hospice care. Meals and related services under the program would have no deductible, copayment, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing. The bill does not establish a nationwide benefit for all Medicare beneficiaries.
Program payments and operating costs would come from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. The Secretary would reduce payments to certain hospitals so that the estimated reductions for each year equal program payments for that year. The bill does not state specific dollar amounts.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.