2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104331D

HOUSE BILL NO. 1434

Offered January 22, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 32.1-325.002, relating to Department of Medical Assistance Services; Medicaid benefit for nutrition services programs; sunset.

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Patron—Cole, J.G.

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Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 32.1-325.002 as follows:

§ 32.1-325.002. Medicaid benefit for nutrition services programs.

A. The Department shall, conditional on the receipt of all necessary approvals and the securing of federal financial participation pursuant to subsection D, implement a provision for payment of medical assistance for nutrition services programs under the Medicaid program in the Commonwealth. The Department shall design such programs to improve health outcomes and reduce the need for medical care for individuals with nutrition-related chronic diseases through nutrition services.

B. Nutrition services programs established pursuant to subsection A may include:

1. Case management services for access to food and nutrition;

2. Nutrition counseling and instruction;

3. Home-delivered meals or pantry stocking tailored to individual needs;

4. Nutrition prescriptions tailored to individual needs; and

5. Grocery provisions.

C. The Department shall prioritize the inclusion of community-based organizations and local growers to support the purchase and distribution of locally grown food in nutrition prescriptions wherever feasible.

D. The Department shall submit any state plan amendments or waiver applications as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this section and to secure federal financial participation for state Medicaid expenditures under the federal Medicaid program. The nutrition services programs established pursuant to this section shall be contingent on securing all necessary federal approvals and federal financial participation as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

2. That if the Department of Medical Assistance Services does not receive the necessary approval or federal financial participation from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to implement this act, then the provisions of this act shall expire on July 1, 2027.