Policy and Practice

Policy Priorities

Through an analysis of Medicaid contract language in 23 states, we identified four policy levers that states are already using to address nutritional needs in Medicaid. States have unrealized legal and policy pathways to implement and improve on these practices to address food-insecurity through Medicaid.

Food Insecurity Screening and Referral

Provide funding, incentives and requirements around both payer and provider screening and closed loop referrals for food insecurity.










Service Navigation including SNAP and WIC Enrollment

Design specific care coordination, community navigation, or community health worker requirements around SNAP and WIC application support, and incentives for payers and providers to support SNAP and WIC enrollment.



Tracking, Data and Evaluation

Invest in closed loop referral systems, implement strategies to encourage appropriate coding and tracking of food insecurity, and incorporate food insecurity data into key healthcare payment methodologies. Implement data matching and data sharing around SNAP and WIC enrollment to support effective collaborative outreach programs.

Investments and Benefits

Make direct investments in food insecurity resources by encouraging plans to offer Value Added Services, implement In Lieu of Services, and reinvest profits in food-related activities. Add food benefits through 1115 waivers.







Policy Priorities in Action: Featured Stories from the MFSN

Check out our featured stories, published every other month, which explore practices and innovative approaches to our four identified policy levers for addressing nutritional needs in Medicaid. You can also find these stories, and more, in our news digests. Click the links below to dive deeper into how these strategies can make a impact.

Food Insecurity Screening and Referral

 

Screening for Social Risk: A Call to Action

By Rich Sheward, MPP, Children’s Health Watch, Kathryn Jantz, MSW, MPH, HealthBegins

 

Service Navigation including SNAP and WIC Enrollment

 

Transforming Lives: How Community Health Workers, Promotoras, and Health Representatives Address Food InsecurityBy Alejandra Cabrera, MPH, and Kathryn Jantz, MSW, MPH

Read Here

Investments and Benefits

 

Addressing the Food Needs of Children and Families through Medicaid-Based Strategies

By MFSN Co-Designers

Read Here

 

Covering Food and Nutrition Programs Under California’s Medicaid Program

By Kate Marple

Read Here

 

Tracking, Data and Evaluation

 

Mobilizing Medicaid Managed Care Organizations to Support SNAP Enrollment: A Data Story Sharing

By Jamila McLean with support and guidance from Julian Xie

Read Here