The proposed bill, Substitute Bill No. 1418, aims to enhance food security by introducing several key measures effective July 1, 2025. Firstly, it mandates the Commissioner of Social Services to apply for a Medicaid waiver to cover "food as medicine," which is defined in accordance with existing statutes. Additionally, the Commissioner is required to report by January 1, 2026, on the number of Medicaid beneficiaries utilizing this coverage and its impact on their chronic health conditions.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 17b-105a of the general statutes by adding new subsections (e) and (f). Subsection (e) directs the Commissioner to increase the minimum monthly supplemental nutrition assistance benefit to ninety-five dollars. Subsection (f) establishes a healthy food incentive program, allowing beneficiaries who buy fresh produce at certified farmers' markets to receive a dollar-for-dollar credit in supplemental nutrition assistance benefits, up to a maximum of fifty dollars per month. This initiative aims to encourage the purchase of fresh produce and support local farmers.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-215, 10-215b
HS Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 437:
APP Joint Favorable: