July 23, 2026  –  Food insecurity may be placing a much larger financial burden on society than previously recognized, according to a new study published in The American Journal of Managed Care. Researchers found that the effects extend well beyond increased medical spending, contributing to lower wages, unstable employment, and greater use of emergency healthcare services.

The findings suggest that managed care organizations, health systems, and policymakers may benefit from viewing food insecurity not only as a social challenge but also as a driver of healthcare utilization and economic instability. Researchers argue that addressing food insecurity could improve health outcomes while also reducing overall costs across the healthcare system and the broader economy.

Food insecurity, defined as limited or uncertain access to enough nutritious food for an active and healthy life, affected approximately 12.8% of U.S. households in 2022. Previous research has consistently linked inadequate access to food with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health conditions. However, the new study focused on a broader range of economic consequences that have received less attention.

Using national survey data collected over multiple years, researchers evaluated how food insecurity influenced healthcare use, employment, and income. They found that individuals experiencing food insecurity were significantly more likely to rely on emergency department services, an outcome that often reflects unmet healthcare needs and higher overall treatment costs.

The study also revealed notable effects on employment stability. Although food insecurity was not directly associated with unemployment, individuals facing food insecurity were more likely to hold seasonal or temporary jobs and were more likely to miss work because of illness. These disruptions translated into measurable financial losses.

For managed care organizations, the findings reinforce the growing emphasis on addressing health-related social needs as part of population health management. Many Medicaid managed care plans and accountable care organizations have expanded screening programs for food insecurity and other social determinants of health, recognizing that unmet social needs can contribute to higher medical costs and poorer health outcomes.

Researchers suggested that interventions connecting individuals with nutrition assistance programs, community food resources, and other supportive services may help reduce both healthcare utilization and broader economic hardship. Such approaches could improve long-term health while supporting greater financial stability for vulnerable populations.