The bill amends Chapter 40-8 of the General Laws regarding "Medical Assistance" by introducing a new section, 40-8-33, which establishes a one-year pilot program for evidenced-based nutritional assistance and medically tailored meals, groceries, and produce prescriptions for individuals with diet-related diseases or food insecurity. The program will include services such as fruit and vegetable prescriptions or vouchers provided by medical professionals, clinical nutrition education, and other interventions for beneficiaries with three or more chronic, diet-related health conditions.

The pilot program will consist of two randomized cohorts, each with a minimum of 142 participants, where the first cohort will receive services for six months, followed by the second cohort receiving services for another six months. Additionally, the bill allows for potential grocery support for other members of the covered individuals' households, depending on funding availability.

To fund this initiative, the bill mandates the inclusion of $1,500,000 in general revenue funding for the fiscal year 2026 appropriations to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). The EOHHS is required to ensure that federal financial participation is utilized to the maximum extent allowable and may pursue a Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver if necessary.

A report detailing health outcomes, cost-effectiveness, impacts on food insecurity, and other individual or household benefits will be submitted to the General Assembly three months after the pilot program's conclusion. This section of the bill will sunset and the pilot program will expire on July 1, 2027.