Nutrition initiative could save $908 million per year in CT healthcare spending – Potential Medicaid LTC spending relief option

Medically tailored meals (MTMs) could save Connecticut $6,299 net per year per person, by far the highest savings among states, according to a new study published in Health Affairs. This research offers an important option to address Connecticut Medicaid long-term care costs that not only saves money, but also improves health.

MTMs are nutritious, prepared meals delivered to the homes of high-risk patients with complex, costly, diet-related conditions and difficulty with activities of daily living. The most common diet-sensitive conditions in the study were diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. MTM patients have difficulty with daily activities such as taking medications, paying bills, shopping, and preparing meals. Most MTM programs provide ten meals per week for eight months of the year. Studies find MTMs result in better health outcomes, financial relief, improved well-being, and lower health disparities.

The researchers estimate that MTMs would save Connecticut’s health system $908 million  annually, across Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance, if everyone eligible was covered. Connecticut would also avoid an estimated 35,400 hospitalizations. They estimate that 144,210 state residents could benefit from MTMs. All savings estimates are net savings, accounting for program costs including food and nutritional counseling.

The researchers also drilled down to benefits for two conditions in Connecticut.

In a gigantic understatement, the authors say, “Our findings support the implementation and evaluation of MTM programs in public and private health systems at the state level.” This could be a massive part of addressing Medicaid long-term care costs.

The study was published in the April issue of Health Affairs. The entire issue is devoted to the role of food and nutrition in health. The entire issue is Open Access; visitors have free access the articles.