Rep. Smucker introduces bill in U.S. House to test new chronic disease prevention program

The new bill authored by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker in the U.S. House aims to improve health outcomes by expanding access to nutrition and preventive services, according to the U.S. Congress.

H.R.8355 was introduced on April 16, 2026 during the 2026 regular session of the 119th Congress. The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends title XI of the Social Security Act to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test a new model aimed at reducing chronic diseases through a program called Accountable Produce is Medicine. The initiative, which must begin within 180 days of the bill’s enactment, will provide bundled payments for selected programs that offer services such as personalized health assessments, nutrition counseling, and delivery of healthy foods. Programs will prioritize providing fresh, minimally processed produce and other nutrient-dense foods. Eligible individuals will be those entitled to Medicare or Medicaid, reside in underserved or rural areas, and meet specific health criteria, with services exempt from cost-sharing. This model will be implemented for at least five years to evaluate its impact on health outcomes and cost savings.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (Republican-PA-11th District) and co-sponsored by Rep. Sharice Davids (Democrat-PA-3rd District).

Since the beginning of the current session, Rep. Smucker has introduced another 29 bills.

Congressional bills can originate in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate, except for revenue-related measures, which must begin in the House. After introduction, bills are assigned to committees for review, hearings, amendments and debate before they can advance to a vote in each chamber. If both chambers approve identical versions, the legislation is sent to the president, who may sign it into law or veto it. Congress operates in two-year terms, with each term numbered sequentially and divided into two annual sessions. The legislative process and official bill records are maintained by the U.S. Congress and published through Congress.gov.

Lloyd K. Smucker is a Representative from Pennsylvania who has served in Congress since January 3, 2017. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 2009 to 2016 and has held various local government positions, including the West Lampeter planning commission and township board of supervisors.

Smucker attended Lebanon Valley College and Franklin & Marshall College from 1988 to 1991.

Information in this article was obtained from the U.S. Congress. The source data can be found here.