The Effect of Grocery Support Dose on Food Insecurity and Disease Control Among Covered California Members With Diabetes or Hypertension

Overview

This continuation study is a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Covered California's Grocery Support Program among low-income participants with diabetes or hypertension. This pragmatic RCT will compare the efficacy of providing different benefit amounts ($80 vs. $120) via a monthly food card benefit for households where at least one adult has diabetes and/or hypertension and incomes below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

In 2024, Covered California initiated multiple Population Health Investments (PopHIs) based on funds collected by participating plans if they failed to meet a set of quality benchmarks related to diabetes control, blood pressure control, colorectal cancer screening, and childhood immunizations. One priority area for the PopHIs was food insecurity among patients who manage diabetes and/or hypertension. Food insecurity, defined by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a "lack of access to enough food for an active, healthy life" effects 18% of newly enrolled Covered California members. Food insecurity is more pronounced and is associated with poor clinical outcomes and more avoidable and costly healthcare utilization among individuals who manage diabetes and/or hypertension. In 2025, Covered California initiated the first year of the food insecurity PopHI comparing the impact of an $80 monthly grocery support cash card for 12-months versus a one-time payment at the end of 12-months among a low-income cohort with food insecurity and a chronic condition. Building off year one learnings, Covered California tailored their program design and benefit amount based on findings. While produce prescription and grocery support programs have been shown to reduce food insecurity and improve diet quality, key implementation questions most importantly the impact of varying doses, remain to be understood. The goal of the proposed research is to evaluate the impact of two different doses of a 12-month grocery support program on participant food insecurity and health outcomes among a cohort of individuals with diabetes and/or hypertension. Participants were invited to enroll in the program if they were active members of Covered California at the time of enrollment and had a documented diabetes and/or hypertension diagnosis and an income at or below 250% of the FPL. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either an $80 or $120 reusable semi-restricted cash card re-loaded monthly for one year (payments in both arms adjusted based on household size). Retailers are restricted to food retailers, which includes retailers that do sell non-food goods. The study has four main data sources: survey data from surveys repeated at baseline and 12-months; cash card spending data; qualitative participant interview data, and administrative claims data.