New research indicates that medically tailored meals (MTMs) for people with diet-sensitive conditions like diabetes and heart disease can lead to significant healthcare cost savings across most U.S. states. Using computer models, researchers found that these programs can reduce healthcare expenditures by preventing hospitalizations and helping patients manage chronic conditions more effectively. This study, presented at the NUTRITION 2024 meeting, highlights the financial benefits and state-level variations in implementing MTMs. Click here for article.
Cost Savings: MTM programs can result in net healthcare cost savings in almost every state, with the largest savings projected in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Arizona.
Patient Benefits: MTMs improve patients' independence and quality of life by providing meals tailored to their health conditions, reducing the need for costly hospital visits.
State Variations: Differences in baseline healthcare costs and the number of eligible patients contribute to state-by-state variations in projected savings, with California having the largest eligible population and Alaska the smallest.
Policy Implications: Findings suggest potential benefits for incorporating MTMs into state-level healthcare strategies, such as Medicaid waivers, Medicare programs, and commercial insurance plans.
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