1115 Waiver Info

The New York State 1115 Waiver, known as the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER), is a groundbreaking opportunity for Registered Dietitians to play a central role in advancing health equity through food-as-medicine services. This federally approved demonstration aims to improve the health of Medicaid Managed Care members by addressing unmet health-related social needs (HRSNs), including food and nutrition, housing, and transportation. The waiver funds six food and nutrition services, four of which—nutrition education and counseling, medically tailored meals, clinically appropriate meals, and food prescriptions—require the involvement of a Registered Dietitian.

RDs can contract directly with Social Care Networks (SCNs) or subcontract through Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) across nine NY regions. These services are reimbursable and do not require Medicaid credentialing. The waiver runs through March 31, 2027, offering a time-limited but high-impact window for RDs to expand their scope, reach underserved populations, and be compensated for evidence-based nutrition care. This document outlines service eligibility, participating networks, and pathways for RDs to join, empowering dietitians to lead in a statewide movement to reduce chronic disease, improve access to care, and address nutrition insecurity at scale.