This bill establishes the "Healthy Corner Store and Retail Pharmacy Program" in New Jersey, aimed at enhancing access to healthy foods in low-income and moderate-income areas. It provides funding to support small food retailers and retail pharmacies in increasing the availability and sales of fresh produce and nutritious foods. A key feature of the bill is the introduction of a three-year pilot program under NJ FamilyCare, which allows coverage for food prescriptions written by licensed healthcare providers for enrollees diagnosed with diet-related medical conditions such as Type II diabetes, hypertension, or obesity. The program is designed to reduce overall Medicaid expenditures by improving the management of these conditions and emphasizes partnerships with local farmers and food suppliers.

Additionally, the bill amends the "Healthy Small Food Retailer Act" to include retail pharmacies in the program, enabling them to sell healthy foods and fill food prescriptions for NJ FamilyCare enrollees. Retail pharmacies must become authorized Medicaid providers to participate and may receive increased financial assistance for necessary equipment to stock healthy foods, with the maximum assistance amount raised from $5,000 to $6,000. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services for implementation, and the Commissioner of Human Services is responsible for monitoring the program's effectiveness and ensuring compliance with program integrity safeguards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:4A-6, 24:4A-7, 24:4A-8, 24:4A-9, 24:4A-10, 24:4A-11, 24:4A-12