Medically tailored meals (MTM) are an evidence-based intervention that provides fully prepared meals to individuals with serious or chronic health conditions. Initially developed for people living with HIV, MTM programs now serve individuals with a range of conditions, including, for example, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and cancer. Although food insecurity does not typically meet MTM eligibility, these programs indirectly address this issue by improving access to nutritious food — a key health-related social need (HRSN).

Recent federal guidance on state options to address HRSN through Medicaid includes provisions for MTM. This guidance identifies several Medicaid authorities under which MTM can be delivered, including managed care in lieu of services, home- and community-based services, and HRSN 1115 demonstrations. In response, several states are now incorporating MTM into broader strategies to address HRSN through Medicaid.

This Better Care Playbook Evidence Roundup highlights recent findings on the effectiveness of MTM programs in reducing hospitalizations, lowering costs, and improving clinical outcomes, and also outlines implementation considerations. It can help inform policymakers, states, health plans, and providers seeking to effectively implement MTM programs.