WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 8355

Accountable Produce is Medicine Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Sharice Davids and 5 co-sponsors

Test a bundled payment model to fund APIM services, using Medicare/Medicaid chips, to deliver nutrition, care coordination, and produce-based interventions for chronic diseases.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8355

Overview

HR 8355, the Accountable Produce is Medicine Act of 2026, would amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test a new model aimed at reducing chronic diseases through “accountable produce is medicine” (APIM) services. The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress on April 16, 2026, and is sponsored by Rep. Smucker with several co-sponsors. The measure directs CMMI to pilot a bundled payment model under which eligible programs furnish APIM services to defined populations.

Purpose and intent

  • Recognize diet-related chronic diseases as a major driver of U.S. health care costs.
  • Promote evidence-based “food is medicine” interventions (e.g., medically tailored meals, medically tailored groceries, produce prescriptions, nutrition counseling) as a means to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.
  • Require inclusion of APIM interventions in Innovation Center models to the extent practicable.
  • Explore whether integrating food-as-medicine approaches into Innovation Center models can improve quality of care and support prevention and management of chronic disease.

Key provisions

  1. Model to test (APIM Bundled Payment Model)

    • The bill adds a new subsection (h) to Section 1115A of the Social Security Act describing the APIM Bundled Payment Model.
    • This model would use bundled payments under Title XVIII (Medicare), Title XIX (Medicaid), or Title XXI (CHIP) to fund APIM services for eligible individuals.

  2. Program participation and selection

    • The Secretary would select at least 5 eligible programs to participate, each for at least 2 years.
    • Priority in selecting programs would be given to those that provide fresh, frozen, or minimally processed fruits and vegetables without added sugars, sodium, or saturated fats (except naturally occurring), and other plant-based, nutrient-dense foods (e.g., nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, lentils).

  3. Minimum program requirements for selected programs

    • Screening: Eligible individuals referred by a clinician must be screened to determine eligibility.
    • APIM services: For each eligible individual, the program must provide for a 1-year period of APIM services, including:
      • Personalized health risk assessment and prevention plan
      • Care coordination
      • Telehealth for chronic disease monitoring, education, and follow-up
      • Remote patient monitoring (where clinically appropriate)
      • Lifestyle modification programs (nutrition counseling by a registered dietitian or qualified provider, exercise programs, smoking cessation)
      • Provision of healthy foods (per standards set by the Secretary) with preference for locally sourced or regeneratively produced foods
    • Data collection and enrollment assessment:
      • Track APIM services received
      • Regularly evaluate engagement and adherence
      • Quarterly collection of weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose, plus other appropriate measures
      • At the end of the 1-year period, evaluate measurements and provide data to the Secretary to assess health care cost savings; reassess ongoing eligibility
    • Disenrollment: If an individual is not engaging or adhering to requirements, the program may terminate participation and discontinue APIM services

  4. Payment and financial risk

    • The Secretary will establish the form, manner, and amount of bundled payments for selected programs.
    • Beginning in the third year of the model, programs may be required to assume financial risk for performance.
    • APIM services must be provided without deductibles, copays, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing.

  5. Duration

    • The APIM Bundled Payment Model would run for at least 5 years.

  6. Definitions

    • Eligible individual: An individual enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B, Medicaid, or CHIP, residing in designated underserved or rural areas, with specified chronic conditions, and not already receiving duplicative services.
    • Eligible program: A provider of services or supplier enrolled in Title XVIII, XIX, or XXI.
    • Regenerative agriculture: Defined as a conservation approach emphasizing soil health, water management, and vitality.

Who would be affected

  • Eligible individuals who participate in the APIM program (primarily Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP beneficiaries in underserved or rural areas with chronic conditions).
  • Selected health programs and providers enrolled under Title XVIII, XIX, or XXI that participate as “selected programs.”
  • Health systems, clinics, and service providers that would deliver APIM services (nutrition counseling, telehealth, remote monitoring, care coordination, etc.).
  • Beneficiaries would receive APIM services at no cost-sharing for these services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill would add a new model to be tested starting no later than 180 days after enactment.
  • The model requires a minimum of 5 programs, each participating for at least 2 years; the overall pilot would run for a minimum of 5 years.
  • Data collection and reporting would be required to evaluate health outcomes and cost savings, with quarterly measurements and end-of-year assessments.
  • The bill would direct the Innovation Center to implement the bundled payment model through amendments to the 1115A authority, and would allow the Center to place programs at financial risk starting in the third year.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Aims to formalize and scale “food is medicine” strategies within Medicare and Medicaid programs through a bundled payment framework.
  • Seeks to improve disease prevention and management by integrating access to fresh produce and related services.
  • Financial risk-sharing in later years could incentivize cost containment and better health outcomes, but would require careful program design to avoid access barriers.
  • Outcomes depend on effective participant engagement, provider capacity, and the appropriateness of chosen programs and services.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.