All Roll Calls
Yes: 63 • No: 8
Rhode IslandH81712026 Regular SessionHouse
AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- FOOD-AS-MEDICINE PILOT PROGRAM .
Sponsored By: Justine A. Caldwell (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Medicaid nutrition pilot authority, with limits
EOHHS can apply for federal approval, including a Section 1115 waiver, to run a Medicaid food-as-medicine pilot. A waiver can cover medically tailored meals and other nutrition supports for people with diet-related diseases. It can focus on enrollees with the highest risks and needs, use community partners, and tie payment to value. The pilot must track outcomes, equity, use, and costs. The pilot starts only after federal approval and federal funding are available. The state does not have to spend beyond federal funds, current budgets, or a future law.
Task force to design food-as-medicine pilot
The law creates a Food-as-Medicine Task Force at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). Members include state health leaders, insurers, a hospital, a researcher, a meal provider, a doctor, a dietitian, four lawmakers, and a public member with chronic illness. The EOHHS secretary convenes the first meeting within 90 days of the law taking effect. EOHHS provides staff support. Members are unpaid. The task force studies who should qualify, what services to offer (like medically tailored meals), how to pay, how to collect data, and how to use Medicaid. It must send a final report with recommendations, including any needed laws or funding, by December 31, 2026.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Justine A. Caldwell
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Rebecca M. Kislak
Democratic • House
Scott A. Slater
Democratic • House
Tina L. Spears
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 6/10/2026
FOOD-AS-MEDICINE PILOT PROGRAM PASSAGE
Yes: 63 • No: 8
Bill Text
H8171 - As Introduced
2/27/2026
H8171 - Substitute
2/27/2026
Related Bills
H8104, AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- MORTGAGES OF REAL PROPERTY .
H8046, AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- FEES .
H8025, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION .
H7866, AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- UNFAIR CLAIMS SETTLEMENT PRACTICES ACT .
H7642, AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- DISTRICT COURT PRACTICE .
S3363, AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY SUBJECT TO TAXATION .