Association Between Receipt of a Medically Tailored Meal Program and Health Care Use

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MTM recipients experienced approximately half the number of inpatient admissions compared to non-recipients, as well as significantly fewer admissions to skilled nursing facilities.

Demonstrates the effectiveness of MTMs in reducing healthcare utilization and costs for medically and socially complex adults.

This study adds to the evidence that integration of tailored nutritional interventions into healthcare systems to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare expenditures.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study evaluated the impact of medically tailored meals (MTMs) on healthcare utilization among medically and socially complex adults. Using a retrospective cohort design with instrumental variable analysis, the study compared MTM recipients to non-recipients. The primary outcome was inpatient admissions, with secondary outcomes including skilled nursing facility admissions and healthcare costs. The study found that MTM recipients had significantly fewer inpatient and skilled nursing facility admissions and lower overall healthcare costs compared to non-recipients