Section 208.270

Title XII PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE

Chapter 208

Effective - 28 Aug 2026, see footnote   

  208.270.  Citation of law — definitions — food is medicine demonstration waiver, covered nutrition services — rules. — 1.  This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Food is Medicine Act".

  2.  As used in this section, the following terms mean:

  (1)  "Medically tailored groceries", a selection of groceries, including but not limited to fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, lean proteins, or dairy, that is prescribed by a registered dietitian, a physician licensed under chapter 334, or a qualified clinical team for individuals who are able to prepare food.  Such groceries may be specifically selected by a registered dietitian, a physician licensed under chapter 334, or a qualified clinical team, or selected by a participant from a pantry in accordance with dietary recommendations set by a registered dietitian, a physician licensed under chapter 334, or a qualified clinical team;

  (2)  "Medically tailored meals", meals used to meet the specific dietary needs of individuals living with one or more chronic conditions or diet-related conditions.  Such meals are prescribed by a registered dietitian, a physician licensed under chapter 334, or a qualified clinical team and home-delivered for individuals who are not able to prepare food on their own;

  (3)  "Produce prescriptions", the prescription of fruits, vegetables, or other healthy foods with no added fats, sugars, or salts to at-risk patients by a registered dietitian or qualified clinical team, typically in the form of coupons or vouchers for local farmers' markets, grocery stores, or mobile markets.

  3.  The department of social services may apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the federal Department of Health and Human Services for a Section 1115 demonstration waiver to implement the "Food is Medicine" program for the purpose of providing nutritional support through the MO HealthNet program.  The food is medicine program shall be designed to improve health outcomes for MO HealthNet participants with nutrition-related chronic diseases through nutrition services and to reduce the need for medical care for those participants.

  4.  Nutrition services covered under this program may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

  (1)  Case management;

  (2)  Nutrition counseling; and

  (3)  Food provisions prescribed by a registered dietitian, a physician licensed under chapter 334, or a qualified clinical team, including:

  (a)  Medically tailored groceries;

  (b)  Medically tailored meals; and

  (c)  Produce prescriptions.

  5.  Whenever feasible, the MO HealthNet division shall prioritize the inclusion of community-based organizations and local growers to support the purchase of locally grown food in nutrition prescriptions.

  6.  The department of social services shall promulgate all necessary rules and regulations for the administration of this section.  Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028.  This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2026, shall be invalid and void.

­­--------

(L. 2026 H.B. 2372)