Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program Pilot Act
A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill sets up a six-year pilot program under Medicare Part A called the Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program. It tests a payment and service delivery model by having selected hospitals provide healthy, customized meals and nutrition therapy to certain patients after they leave the hospital. The goal is to improve people's health and lower the number of hospital readmissions. At least 40 eligible hospitals will be chosen to participate in this program by June 30, 2027. The program will be funded through the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund while making corresponding payment reductions to other hospital payments to keep it budget neutral. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to monitor the program and report intermediate and final evaluations to Congress.
Yes· 3 of 28
- Scored +7
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The pilot program primarily benefits Medicare beneficiaries managing serious post-discharge health conditions.
- Scored +7
Would retired people be better off under this?
Retirees on Medicare dealing with chronic diseases gain significant post-discharge health support.
- Scored +7
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
Qualified Medicare patients receive crucial post-discharge nutritional support and medical nutrition therapy without cost-sharing.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Would business owners be better off under this?
Selected hospitals face payment reductions elsewhere to maintain overall budget neutrality for the program.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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No Out-of-Pocket Costs: Under Section 2, specifically subsection (d)(2), items and services provided through the program must be given to individuals without any deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing. This ensures that vulnerable patients do not face financial burdens to receive necessary meals and therapy.
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Customized Nutritional Support: Under Section 2, specifically subsection (c)(3), qualified individuals will receive at least two medically tailored home-delivered meals per day that meet two-thirds of their daily nutritional needs. These meals are specifically designed to respect individual medical needs, allergies, and cultural or religious dietary restrictions.
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Targeted Care for Specific Illnesses: Under Section 2, specifically subsection (g)(3), individuals suffering from diet-impacted diseases—such as kidney disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—who live at home and struggle with daily activities can qualify for the program, helping those who need it most maintain their health after leaving the hospital.
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Professional Guidance: Under Section 2, specifically subsection (c)(3)(B), qualified individuals will receive medical nutrition therapy in connection with their meal deliveries for a period ranging from 12 weeks to one year, giving them expert support to manage their health conditions properly.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential Reduction in Overall Hospital Funding: Under Section 2, specifically subsection (f)(2), the Secretary is required to reduce payments made to certain hospitals to ensure the program remains budget neutral. This reduction in general hospital funding could potentially impact overall hospital operations or care resources available to the public.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would retired people be better off under this? — Retirees on Medicare dealing with chronic diseases gain significant post-discharge health support. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The pilot program primarily benefits Medicare beneficiaries managing serious post-discharge health conditions. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Providing free, customized meals and therapy eliminates cost barriers for vulnerable, low-income patients. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Specifically targets individuals limited in their activities of daily living who struggle with post-hospital care. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Middle-aged individuals with chronic diet-impacted illnesses benefit from specialized meal support. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-class Medicare households can access supportive services without incurring additional out-of-pocket costs. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Critical access hospitals in rural areas are explicitly eligible to participate and serve their communities. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Veterans enrolled in Medicare who meet the clinical criteria can benefit from the meal delivery program. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The program provides equitable access to culturally responsive medical nutrition therapy for diverse populations. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — Provides culturally tailored dietary options supporting diverse health needs. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Meals are required to be responsive to cultural and religious dietary needs across demographic groups. Would immigrants be better off under this? — Includes consideration for cultural dietary needs which may benefit immigrant populations. Would men be better off under this? — Offers broad health and nutritional benefits that apply equally to male Medicare beneficiaries. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Supports eligible individuals regardless of background, provided they meet the clinical criteria. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Urban hospitals selected for the pilot can provide localized delivery services. Would white Americans be better off under this? — Provides general health benefits to eligible Medicare patients regardless of race. Would women be better off under this? — Offers broad health and nutritional benefits that apply equally to female Medicare beneficiaries. Would business owners be better off under this? — Selected hospitals face payment reductions elsewhere to maintain overall budget neutrality for the program.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — Qualified Medicare patients receive crucial post-discharge nutritional support and medical nutrition therapy without cost-sharing. Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65? — The bill establishes and funds a new Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program under Medicare Part A. Does this lower what a hospital stay costs? — The program seeks to lower hospital readmission rates and manage post-discharge care more effectively. Does this put more money into medical research? — The legislation mandates intermediate and final evaluations and data submission to study clinical health outcomes.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The pilot program is structured to be budget neutral by offsetting payments through corresponding adjustments in hospital funding. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill creates potential employment opportunities for registered dietitians, nutrition professionals, and support staff to manage and deliver medically tailored meals. Is this likely to grow the economy? — By aiming to reduce hospital readmissions, the program could lead to overall healthcare savings and efficiency.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The legislation requires rigorous monitoring, intermediate and final evaluations, and reports submitted to Congress. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands federal oversight and administration through the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The program assists individuals who are limited in performing activities of daily living. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Providing free meals to vulnerable, low-functioning homebound patients alleviates immediate household burdens.
- 9/17/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Bill CassidyRepublican · Louisiana
Roger MarshallRepublican · Kansas
Tina SmithDemocrat · Minnesota