The Biden administration is allowing state requests to use Medicaid to cover groceries and nutritional counseling in order to address food insecurity and improve health as well as deliver savings by reducing medical visits, according to the WSJ. These “food as medicine” programs are increasingly popular among lawmakers in both parties, the federal government, and health providers. The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved a test program allowing Arkansas to spend up to $85 million in federal and state funds on health-related social needs, including nutrition counseling and healthy-meal preparation. Medicaid in some states is now also paying for air conditioners, up to six months of rent, and filtration devices to boost air quality. While some object to this expansion of Medicaid, others believe it can save government programs money by addressing the root causes of health issues. Rep. Glenn Thompson (R., Pa.) said the “food as medicine” concept has merit but needs further study.