HJNO Nov/Dec 2025

40 NOV / DEC 2025 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS MEDICAID COLUMN MEDICAID THE holiday season presents a critical window for Medicaid health plans to rein- force healthy behaviors among members who face elevated risks of poor nutrition, stress, and chronic disease exacerbation. For populations served by Louisiana Med- icaid, these risks are compounded by high rates of food insecurity, limited access to preventive care, and systemic health dis- parities. According to the USDA, food in- security affected 13.5% of U.S. households in 2023, with significantly higher preva- lence among Medicaid enrollees. 1 These challenges are particularly acute during the November–December period, when traditional celebrations often involve calo- rie-dense meals, reduced physical activity, and increased emotional stress. Louisiana’s State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) provides a strategic frame- work for addressing these seasonal health risks. SHIP prioritizes chronic disease prevention, health equity, and communi- ty-based interventions — goals that align closely with the operational capabilities of Medicaid health plans. 2 By integrating nutrition and health coaching into care delivery, plans can proactively support members in managing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, while also promoting mental well-being and re- silience. Health coaching has emerged as a promising strategy for improving dietary behaviors and chronic disease outcomes. Evidence from randomized trials and Medicaid pilot programs show that coach- ing interventions can increase fruit and vegetable intake, reduce body mass in- dex, and improve medication adherence. 3 These benefits are amplified when coach- ing is personalized, culturally relevant, and delivered consistently, especially during high-risk periods like the holidays. Louisiana Medicaid health plans can operationalize SHIP priorities through seasonal nutrition and coaching strategies. SHIP offers practical recommendations for outreach, engagement, and measure- ment, with a focus on equity and member empowerment. By aligning holiday inter- ventions with SHIP goals, health plans can transform seasonal challenges into oppor- tunities for lasting health improvement. SHIP Priorities and the Medicaid Nutrition Gap Louisiana’s SHIP (2024–2028) identifies chronic disease prevention, health equity, and access to care as top priorities. These goals are especially relevant for Medicaid populations, where food insecurity and diet-related conditions are prevalent. The United States spends over $4 trillion on healthcare expenditures with about 90% attributable to managing and treating chronic conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. 4 Lack of convenient access and affordability to high-quality, nutritious food options play a major role in the development and exacerbation of chronic disease among low-income individuals. SHIP’s emphasis on community-based interventions and addressing social determinants of health provides a strategic framework for health plans to integrate nutrition and coaching into care delivery. Advancing Nutrition &Coaching Through Louisiana’s SHIP Framework: Seasonal Strategies for Medicaid Health Plans