Transforming statewide policies so Medi-Cal and other health insurers cover food like they pay for medications

Policy/CalAIM

What we do

How food supports become permanent health benefits

As co-founders and leaders of the statewide medically supportive food and nutrition steering committee, we successfully advocated for California’s Medicaid program to include coverage for medically supportive food and nutrition (MSF&N) services. Since 2022, as part of the CalAIM waiver, health insurers across California have paid for food just as they pay for medications.  

We are working with our partners to ensure robust CalAIM implementation locally and building statewide capacity through our Knowledge Network. Collaborating with legislative champions in Sacramento, we are moving legislation that will transition approved medically supportive food through CalAIM to become a permanent benefit.

Ensuring robust CalAIM implementation

Building capacity statewide

Transitioning to a permanent benefit

SF Residents: CalAIM referrals for Medically Supportive Meals and Groceries

San Francisco Health Plan and Anthem are accepting referrals for patients to receive medically supportive meals or groceries. Providers or patients can request a referral. See below for the referral forms:

Building capacity statewide

We co-lead a Knowledge Network that helps community-based organizations successfully implement medically supportive food and nutrition programs with Medi-Cal managed care plans.

Learn more and sign up to be part of the Knowledge Network:

Physician and patient testimony

During the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions, medical providers and patients urged lawmakers across California to pass legislation as a first step towards making food supports a permanent medical benefit. The 2024 bill AB1975 passed out of the California State Legislature and made it all the way to the Governor’s desk.