OIG Approves FQHC Produce Benefits for Patients with Chronic Conditions

The HHS Office of Inspector General issued Advisory Opinion 26-16 approving a federally qualified health center's program to provide produce boxes and vouchers to patients with certain chronic health conditions. The arrangement would typically constitute prohibited remuneration under the Beneficiary Inducements Civil Monetary Penalty statute, but OIG determined it qualifies for protection. The opinion provides compliance guidance for FQHCs and other Medicaid providers seeking to implement food-as-medicine interventions without triggering anti-kickback or beneficiary inducement penalties.

Managed Care