Medically tailored meals: A case for federal policy action

Background: Poor nutrition drives chronic disease, health disparities, and rising health care costs in the United States. Medically tailored meals (MTMs), designed by registered dietitians, are a Food-as-Medicine intervention with potential to improve outcomes and reduce costs. This review synthesizes evidence on the clinical, economic, and policy implications of MTMs. 

Methods: We conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed studies, real-world program evaluations, and policy analyses. Sources included PubMed, Google Scholar, and grey literature from government, nonprofit, and industry organizations. Articles and reports were included if they examined MTMs in Medicare, Medicaid, or other high-risk populations. 

Results: Evidence demonstrates that MTMs improve health outcomes, reduce hospitalizations, and lower total cost of care. Case studies from Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans, including those administered by Mom's Meals(®), report reductions in emergency department visits, hospital readmissions, and total cost of care, alongside sustained high member satisfaction. Despite these findings, gaps in coverage and limited stakeholder awareness hinder broader access and adoption. 

Conclusions: Federal policy action can expand MTM availability and maximize utilization of existing benefits. Opportunities include establishing a Medicare Fee-for-Service demonstration, expanding and encouraging use in Medicare Advantage, and leveraging MTMs within Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation models. Broader implementation and utilization could reduce the nation's chronic disease burden, advance health equity, and promote value-based care.