Medically Tailored Meals Bill Unanimously Advances Through House Ways and Means Committee

The committee voted 39-0 to advance H.R. 5439, the Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program Pilot Act. The legislation is led by Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11) and Rep. James McGovern (D-MA-02), alongside a bipartisan group of congressional champions.

If enacted, H.R. 5439 would establish a six-year Medicare Part A pilot involving at least 40 hospitals across the country. Participating hospitals could provide medically tailored meals directly or partner with qualified community-based organizations to serve eligible Medicare beneficiaries following hospitalization.

Eligible participants would receive at least two medically tailored meals per day during 12-week service periods. The meals would meet at least two-thirds of each participant’s daily nutritional needs and be responsive to their medical, cultural, religious and dietary requirements. Participants would also receive medical nutrition therapy.

“For seniors living with serious chronic illnesses, access to nutritious meals tailored to their medical needs can help them better manage their conditions, stay healthier at home and avoid unnecessary hospital visits,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis in a statement. “This pilot will allow us to measure the results and determine how we can improve outcomes for seniors while potentially lowering healthcare costs for taxpayers.”

“You can’t be healthy if you’re hungry,” said Jim McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee. “It’s a big step forward in our fight for a country where no one goes to bed hungry and everyone has access to the affordable, quality healthcare they deserve.”

The pilot would evaluate its effects on participants’ clinical outcomes, hospital readmissions, use of post-acute care, Medicare expenditures, patient and caregiver experiences, and total cost of care. The legislation is designed to maintain Medicare budget neutrality by offsetting the cost of the pilot within the Medicare hospital payment system.

Terrence Meck, President and CEO of God’s Love We Deliver, thanked  Congresswoman Malliotakis and the bill’s bipartisan champions for their leadership. He said:

“God’s Love is excited for the transformative opportunity that this legislation will have in improving the health and well-being of New Yorkers and individuals nationwide. We are excited for the opportunity to further advance healthcare through the power of Food Is Medicine.”

Every day, God’s Love We Deliver prepares approximately 15,000 meals to New Yorkers living with serious chronic illnesses, their families and loved ones, allowing them to live healthier, more independent lives and keeping them safe in their homes.

With federal support, medically tailored meals could help many more people with serious illnesses follow the diets prescribed by their healthcare providers. For older adults who are medically vulnerable, or unable to shop and cook independently, medically tailored meals can support disease management, reduce avoidable healthcare utilization, and help them recover safely at home.

God’s Love We Deliver celebrates this important bipartisan milestone and looks forward to continuing its advocacy as H.R. 5439 moves through the legislative process.