Bill > S5267

This bill, titled the "Accountable Produce is Medicine Act of 2026," mandates that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), a government agency that tests new healthcare payment and delivery models, must test a specific model aimed at reducing chronic diseases. This model, known as the "Accountable Produce is Medicine Bundled Payment Model," will involve providing a bundled payment for services that include personalized health assessments, care coordination, telehealth for chronic disease management, lifestyle modification programs like nutrition counseling, and the provision of healthy foods, with a preference for locally grown produce. The bill requires CMMI to select at least five eligible programs, such as healthcare providers or suppliers, to participate for at least two years, prioritizing those that offer nutrient-dense foods. Participants in the model will be individuals eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children's Health Insurance Program who live in medically underserved areas and have specific chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, and who are deemed likely to benefit from the program. The model will be tested for at least five years, and participants will not face deductibles or copayments for these services.