* LexisNexis…

With America facing an obesity epidemic, it’s no wonder some are embracing the concept that food—simple, healthy, nutritious food—is medicine in and of itself, a philosophy that’s growing in popularity among health care providers.

The idea of “food as medicine” or “food is medicine” is hardly rocket science, although it is founded in science. Studies have found that tailoring meals for patients battling obesity or diabetes can have a tremendous, positive impact on their health.

These studies raise a couple of interesting policy questions: If food is indeed medicine, should doctors be able to prescribe it? And, more importantly, should health insurers have to pay for it? […]

State legislators across the country are beginning to heed Budhu’s call, introducing legislation to make food covered by state-run health plans or establish pilot programs to explore the idea.

* Rep. Norma Hernandez sponsored HB5249, which would provide nutritional care services by a registered dietitian. Synopsis…

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that subject to federal approval, within 12 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, nutrition care services and medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian licensed under the Dietitian Nutritionist Practice Act who is acting within the scope of his or her license shall be covered under the medical assistance program. Provides that the covered services may be aimed at prevention, delay, management, treatment, or rehabilitation of a disease or condition and include nutrition assessment, nutrition intervention, nutrition counseling, and nutrition monitoring and evaluation. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to apply for any federal waiver or Title XIX State Plan amendment, if required, to implement the amendatory Act. Permits the Department to adopt any rules, including standards and criteria, necessary to implement the amendatory Act.

The bill picked up 20 co-sponsors but was stuck in committee during spring session.

* The federal government approved a program to allow states to use Medicaid to pay for groceries and nutritional counseling. This month Colorado’s governor signed a this bill to potentially fund nutrition support through Medicaid…

The House Health and Human Services Committee today passed legislation to help fund housing and nutrition services for those on Medicaid. This cost-neutral plan would lay the groundwork for redirecting federal Medicaid funds to help Colorado families access nutritious food options and secure housing. […]

HB24-1322, which passed committee by a vote of 8-4, would support Coloradans on Medicaid to afford housing and nutritious meals. Specifically, this bill would direct the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) to conduct a feasibility study and pursue an 1115 Waiver so Medicaid could fund housing and nutrition services. This legislation aims to create a path to redirect Medicaid funding for services that address health-related social needs of Coloradans who already rely on the federal Medicaid program.

The feasibility study would determine how Medicaid could pay for specific nutrition-based services such as medically tailored meals and pantry stocking. It could also help with temporary housing, rent, utility assistance, as well as eviction prevention and tenant support. The study would also determine the eligibility requirements to access these services and which populations across the state would benefit the most.

Utilizing dollars already spent on housing and nutrition support services through an 1115 Medicaid Waiver would provide Colorado with a federal match and the flexibility to design and improve Medicaid programs to fit the needs of Coloradans. It would also help the state conserve local and state financial resources.

This cost-neutral model for redirecting Medicaid funds to housing and nutrition support is successfully being used in more than 15 states across the nation, including Arkansas, California, New Jersey and North Carolina.

Thoughts?