New Jersey Assembly Bill A5332

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/23/23
• Refer: 3/23/23

Caption

Requires Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare to provide medically tailored nutrition services for certain enrollees.

Impact

Under A5332, enrollees diagnosed with diseases such as congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or renal disease are entitled to at least 10 medically tailored meals a week. Additionally, it mandates coverage for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or obesity to receive enough medically tailored foods for 14 meals per week. Furthermore, the bill provides $25 weekly subsidies for nutritious food for enrollees with pre-diabetes, being overweight, or having hypertension, intending to prioritize nutritional health for vulnerable populations.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5332 requires the Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs in New Jersey to provide coverage for medically tailored nutrition services to specific enrollees. These services must be prescribed by a licensed physician or primary healthcare provider and designed by registered dieticians or licensed nutritionists. The bill is aimed at addressing diet-related illnesses by providing the nutritional support necessary for enrollees to prevent, manage, or treat these conditions effectively.

Contention

The bill's proponents argue that dietary interventions significantly reduce health complications and hospital admissions, citing studies that indicate a 16 percent reduction in medical costs over six months when patients adhere to dietary plans. However, potential concerns regarding implementation and budget allocations for such expansive Medicaid provisions may arise, alongside discussions over ensuring adequate access to these resources for all eligible enrollees.