Does Medicare Offer a Grocery Allowance?
Original Medicare (parts A and B) plans do not cover groceries or other long-term food benefits. Certain Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer a limited grocery allowance.
The grocery allowance, also known as the health foods benefit, is offered under the broader category of “special supplemental benefits for chronically ill” enrollees of certain Medicare Advantage plans. It’s designed to help people manage chronic conditions through healthy nutrition.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible for a grocery allowance if you enroll in certain Medicare plans and programs.
Chronic condition special needs plan (C-SNP)
These Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits tailored to managing certain chronic conditions. Some C-SNPs include help with grocery expenses as part of their broader health management services.
You may be eligible for a C-SNP if you have:
alcohol or substance use disorder
certain autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
cancer
certain cardiovascular disorders, including cardiac arrhythmias and coronary artery disease
heart failure
dementia
diabetes
end stage liver disease
end stage renal disease requiring dialysis
certain blood disorders, including hemophilia and sickle cell disease
HIV
certain lung disorders, including asthma and emphysema
certain mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
certain neurologic disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
stroke
Dual special needs plan (D-SNP)
D-SNP is a type of Medicare Advantage plan. Some D-SNPs offer a grocery allowance, meal assistance, and other supplemental benefits.
If you’re eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, you may be able to enroll in a D-SNP.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that supports people with limited resources. Eligibility varies from state to state. You can check if you qualify.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
PACE combines Medicare and Medicaid benefits for people ages 55 years or older who meet specific health and income criteria.
PACE programs provide a wide range of services to help older adults remain at home instead of transitioning to a nursing home. This might include a grocery allowance and home-delivered meals.
To find out whether you’re eligible and if there’s a PACE program near you, search for PACE plans in your area or contact your state Medicaid office.
How does it work?
C-SNP and D-SNP enrollees usually receive a Medicare Advantage food allowance card.
The Medicare Advantage food allowance card can be used to purchase food at certain grocery stores. This prepaid debit card differs from a Medicare Flex card, which can be used only for certain health and wellness expenses.
It’s important to check with your plan provider to confirm which retailers accept the Medicare Advantage food allowance card and which items you can purchase with it. Your plan provider can supply a predetermined list of covered food items.
The Medicare Advantage food allowance benefit is usually “use it or lose it,” meaning the funds will not roll over from month to month.
For PACE participants, food benefits are part of the overall care plan. This might include direct assistance with grocery shopping, meal vouchers, or home-delivered meals.
Are other food benefits available?
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer temporary meal benefits after you’ve been discharged from a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or other inpatient healthcare facility.
You may be limited to a select number of meals within a set time frame, usually up to 4 weeks after discharge.
If you have a chronic condition, your healthcare professional may be able to order or prescribe temporary meal benefits without an inpatient stay.
Most plans require meals to be aligned with Medicare’s daily nutritional guidelines. You can usually receive meals tailored to dietary restrictions, such as vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free.
Meals are usually delivered ready to eat, without any additional ingredients or preparation. Depending on your service area, meals may arrive hot, ready to refrigerate, or frozen.
The bottom line
Grocery allowances are designed to help people with chronic health conditions or disabilities pay for nutritious food.
Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer temporary meal delivery to aid your recovery after an inpatient stay or as part of your care plan for certain chronic conditions.
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