Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB9631

Introduced
9/17/24  

Caption

National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2024

Impact

The legislation proposes significant changes to state healthcare frameworks by allowing Medicaid to support food-based interventions as a means to improve overall health outcomes. This could potentially reduce healthcare costs associated with chronic diseases that are often exacerbated by poor nutrition. By emphasizing local and regionally sourced agricultural products, the bill also encourages economic development within local farming communities, which is expected to create a sustainable model that supports both public health and economic vitality.

Summary

House Bill 9631, also known as the National Food as Medicine Program Act of 2024, aims to establish and expand Food as Medicine programs across various states. The bill proposes a grant program managed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to support states in planning, implementing, and evaluating these beneficial initiatives. By fostering partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations, the bill seeks to integrate nutrition-focused interventions into medical care, thereby addressing the growing concerns related to food insecurity and chronic health conditions within low-income populations.

Contention

Notably, this bill may encounter opposition based on concerns regarding the potential allocation of Medicaid funds towards food as medicine interventions, as advocates from the healthcare and agricultural sectors debate the fiscal implications of such spending. Additionally, questions surrounding the sufficiency of infrastructure and support for implementing these programs successfully in various states remain. Stakeholders may also be divided on how effectively these changes can address systemic issues of food insecurity and access to healthcare, highlighting the need for ongoing evaluation and adaptation of the program.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB8467

Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024

US HB7709

PREPARE ACT of 2024 Promoting Readiness and Ensuring Proper Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Reserves of Essential Medicines Act of 2024

US HB10124

To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and administer a pilot program to provide grants to support Food is Medicine programs, and for other purposes.

US HB10135

Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act of 2024

US HB9161

Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2024 CHANGE Act Correcting Hurtful and Alienating Names in Government Expression Act Immigrants’ Mental Health Act of 2024 Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2024 Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act of 2024 Data To Save Moms Act CARE for Moms Act Community Access, Resources, and Empowerment for Moms Act Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2024 Universal School Meals Program Act of 2024

US HB9105

Baby Food Safety Act of 2024

US SB3982

EAT Local Foods Act of 2024 Expanding Access To Local Foods Act of 2024

US HB8640

National Interagency Seed and Restoration Center Establishment Act

US HB7762

Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act

US HB9099

Federal Food Administration Act of 2024

Similar Bills

US HB1904

Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data ActThis bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish an Agriculture Climate Scientific Research Advisory Committee and a Rural Climate Alliance Network. The advisory committee, within USDA's Office of the Chief Scientist, must review and make recommendations on the agency's long-term and short-term national policies and priorities for (1) data collection for climate-specific agricultural research, extension, education, and economics; and (2) agricultural climate research.The Rural Climate Alliance Network must coordinate the provision of agriculture climate research, climate data, extension, and technical assistance for agricultural producers, the food and agricultural industry, nonprofit organizations, and researchers. The bill defines an agricultural producer as an individual who is engaged in farming, ranching, forestry, aquaculture, or another occupation relating to agriculture.USDA must also submit a report to Congress that includes a long-term strategy for responding to the challenges faced by agricultural producers that may impact agricultural producers' climate change resilience. The report must also include recommendations for further action by federal departments and agencies that are based on best practices.

US HB7163

Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data Act

US SB886

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US HB3227

Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2025 Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act of 2025

US HB3077

Agriculture Resilience Act of 2025

US SB1507

Agriculture Resilience Act of 2025

US HB7146

Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action Act

US HB8467

Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024