Federal pilot would send free healthy food to low-income patients with chronic disease
In committeeH.R. 8355Latest action
Sponsor: Lloyd Smucker · Representative · PA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Accountable Produce is Medicine Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 8355 would test a 5-year federal program giving free food and nutrition care to Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP patients with chronic conditions.
60-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 8355 directs the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to create and test a program that supplies healthy food, nutrition counseling, telehealth visits, and remote health monitoring to enrolled patients. At least five programs nationwide would participate for a minimum of two years, and the overall pilot must run for at least five years. The agency would have 180 days from enactment to launch it.
Who does it affect?
The program targets low-income adults and children who have Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP coverage, live in rural or medically underserved areas, and have a chronic condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or cardiovascular disease. Health care providers and community organizations could apply to become one of the selected participating programs.
Why does it matter?
The pilot is designed to test whether integrating healthy food access into the health care system can lower long-term medical costs and improve health outcomes. Participant health measurements including weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar would be tracked every three months to evaluate whether conditions are improving.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- No copays for patients
- No deductibles for patients
- Free food and nutrition services
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 16, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Apr 16, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.