Original Medicare generally does not cover the cost of meal delivery services. Many Medicare Advantage plans include meal delivery services and assistance with grocery shopping.
Meal delivery programs provide food and meals to people who need assistance due to physical or other medical reasons.
For example, a person may need meal delivery when they are recovering from a hospital stay, have become less mobile, or are no longer able to shop for groceries or cook for themself.
This article explains which Medicare plans cover meal delivery and looks at other programs, companies, and costs.
Does original Medicare cover meal delivery?
Original Medicare consists of Part A, which is hospital coverage, and Part B, which is medical coverage. It usually does not cover meal delivery services.
If someone is an inpatient in a hospital or a skilled nursing facility (SNF), Part A covers meals. It does not cover meal delivery to any other location.
Does Medicare Advantage cover meal delivery?
Private insurance companies provide Medicare Advantage plans, which offer additional benefits above those that original Medicare provides. These benefits differ among plans.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 55% of Medicare Advantage plans in 2021 offer meal benefits. These may include nutrition education, cooking classes, or meal delivery plans.
Most plans offer either a fixed number of meals or meals for a set temporary period after someone leaves the hospital or SNF.
Some individuals with chronic medical conditions may also be eligible for meal benefits. These are usually available through a special Medicare Advantage plan called a Special Needs Plan (SNP). Examples of SNP-related conditions include congestive heart failure, diabetes, and end stage renal disease.
An update by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2020 may make it possible for some people with chronic conditions to access even more meal benefits through Medicare Advantage.
People can contact their insurance provider to find out whether their Medicare Advantage plan offers meal delivery services, including the supplemental meal benefits, and how to arrange meal deliveries.
Does Medicaid cover meal delivery?
Medicaid, a public assistance healthcare program, may be able to provide home-delivered meals for people who cannot prepare meals for themselves due to physical or other medical reasons.
Medicaid generally provides health coverage for people of any age if they have a low income. However, a person may need to fulfill additional conditions to receive reimbursement for meal deliveries. The rules may be different in every state.
For example, a person may need to be an older adult with a low income to qualify. Medicaid may also require a person to verify that they receive sufficient assistance with daily living to qualify for meal delivery. A person should check the rules on meal delivery with Medicaid in their state.
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