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, with the first cohort receiving services for six months, followed by the second cohort for an additional six months. Depending on funding availability, the state may provide additional grocery support for other members of the covered individuals' households.

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.

The EOHHS must prepare a report to be submitted to the General Assembly three months after the conclusion of the pilot program, detailing health outcomes, cost-effectiveness, impacts on food insecurity, and other individual or household benefits, along with a fiscal analysis and recommendations for expanding the pilot program statewide. This section of the bill will sunset and the pilot program will expire on July 1, 2027.