Health impacts of health system implementation of a food-as-medicine strategy

Top Things to Know

There is significant public interest in participating in FIM programs.

A majority of respondents support the inclusion of FIM programs in Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance coverage.

The results underscore the importance of integrating nutrition services into healthcare delivery and highlights the need for policy changes to facilitate this integration.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study conducted a national survey on public perceptions of Food is Medicine (FIM) programs between February and April 2023. It found that fewer than half of respondents received clear nutrition-related advice from their primary healthcare providers, but a majority expressed interest in participating in FIM interventions. Over two-thirds believed that Medicare and Medicaid should cover FIM programs, and more than half felt private insurance should do the same. The study highlighted the need for increased nutrition-related training for healthcare professionals, development of accreditation standards for healthcare organizations, and new regulatory incentives for Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans to encourage FIM interventions.