Bill > S2834

This bill establishes a six-year Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program under Medicare, which will select at least 40 eligible hospitals to provide specialized meal services to certain high-risk patients. The program aims to improve clinical health outcomes and reduce hospital readmissions by delivering customized meals to patients with diet-impacted chronic diseases like kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Participating hospitals must screen patients during discharge, provide at least two medically tailored meals per day for 12 weeks that meet two-thirds of the patient's nutritional needs, and offer medical nutrition therapy. Selected hospitals must be high-performing (with at least 3 stars in overall quality ratings) and have qualified staff to screen and support patients. Patients must meet specific criteria, such as living at home, having limitations in daily activities, and not receiving similar benefits from other programs. The program will be funded through the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, with a budget-neutral approach that reduces payments to hospitals to cover program costs. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will monitor the program and submit evaluation reports to Congress after three and eight years, assessing clinical outcomes, healthcare costs, and patient experiences.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2834/all-info