Accountable Produce is Medicine Act of 2026

The "Accountable Produce is Medicine Act of 2026" reflects a Congressional belief that diet-related chronic diseases are a primary driver of healthcare costs, and that "food is medicine" interventions, such as medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions, can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce expenditures. This legislation mandates the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to establish the Accountable Produce is Medicine Bundled Payment Model within 180 days. This model will provide bundled payments under Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP for selected programs offering comprehensive "Accountable Produce is Medicine" (APIM) services to eligible beneficiaries. At least five eligible programs will be selected for a minimum of two years, prioritizing those providing fresh, healthy fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based, nutrient-dense foods. These programs must screen individuals, offer APIM services for a one-year period, track health data, and assess re-enrollment eligibility, with all services provided without cost-sharing. APIM services include personalized health risk assessments , care coordination, telehealth, remote patient monitoring, lifestyle modification programs, and the provision of healthy, nutrient-dense foods , preferably locally grown. Eligible individuals must be enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP, reside in medically underserved or rural areas, and have specific chronic conditions like diabetes or obesity. The model is mandated to run for a minimum of five years, with potential financial risk requirements for programs after the third year.