Estimated Impact Of Medically Tailored Meals On Health Care Use And Expenditures In 50 US States

Top Things to Know

 MTMs are net cost-saving in 49 states, with significant reductions in health care expenditures.

The number of patients needed to avert one hospitalization varies by state, indicating different levels of impact.

The findings provide valuable insights for state-level policymakers considering MTM coverage strategies.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study examined the potential effects of providing medically tailored meals (MTMs) to patients with diet-related diseases and limitations in activities of daily living. Using a population-based simulation model, the study estimated that MTMs could significantly reduce annual hospitalizations and health care expenditures across 50 US states. The findings show that MTMs were net cost-saving in 49 states, with Connecticut seeing the largest savings per patient. The study also highlighted the variability in the number of treated patients needed to avert one hospitalization, ranging from 2.3 in Maryland to 6.9 in Colorado. These results can guide state-level policy decisions on MTM coverage.