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 aimed at providing evidenced-based nutritional assistance and medically tailored meals for individuals suffering from diet-related diseases or food insecurity. The program will include services such as fruit and vegetable prescriptions, clinical nutrition education, and other interventions for beneficiaries with three or more chronic, diet-related health conditions. The pilot will consist of two randomized cohorts, each with at least 142 participants, receiving services for six months. Additionally, the bill allows for the possibility of providing grocery support to other household members of the covered individuals, depending on funding availability.

To fund this initiative, the bill mandates the inclusion of $1.5 million in general revenue funding in the fiscal year 2026 budget for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). The EOHHS is also tasked with maximizing federal financial participation for the program and may pursue a Medicaid § 1115 demonstration waiver if necessary. A report detailing health outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and impacts on food insecurity will be submitted to the General Assembly three months after the pilot's conclusion. The program is set to expire on July 1, 2027.