What Is the Medicare Grocery Benefit

Medicare is the essential national health insurance program that provides a wide range of medical and healthcare solutions for seniors aged 65 and above and those with serious disabilities. This invaluable program is split into different “parts”, with Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, being one of the most popular.

MA plans offer an enriched form of traditional Medicare, providing more extensive coverage than Parts A, B, and D. Private insurers regulate and manage these plans, with dozens of companies selling them. You can select from a variety of plans that may include important features, such as dental and vision care, and even nutritious food. The cost and availability of these plans vary based upon your location, health needs, and other criteria. With an MA plan, you can get the coverage you need to stay healthy and vibrant.

If you're a Medicare recipient, you may be eligible for the Medicare Grocery Benefit – a valuable assistance program that differs depending on your specific MA policy and insurance company. Here's what you need to know about this beneficial program.

Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans

Are you one of the select few eligible for the Grocery Benefit? If you have a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan (SNP), you could be! There are two primary types of SNP’s, each offering unique advantages. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity!

Are you living with a chronic condition like cancer, dementia, diabetes, HIV, stroke or a certain neurological disorder? If so, the Chronic Condition SNP (C-SNP) could be just the plan you need!

People over 65 and those with severe disabilities who qualify for low-income assistance can access both Medicare and Medicaid benefits with a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)! This unique plan helps bridge the gap and provide comprehensive coverage for those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Eligible Conditions For a C-SNP

• Autoimmune disorders

is a serious health issue.Cancer can be a devastating health crisis, particularly when it is not caught in its pre-cancerous stages.

• Cardiovascular disorders

can be hard to beat.Overcoming chronic addiction to alcohol and other substances can be a difficult challenge.

is a serious conditionChronic heart failure is a serious, life-altering condition that can dramatically affect one's quality of life.

can be debilitatingChronic lung disorders can be devastatingly debilitating.

are a common experienceMental health conditions that are chronic and disabling can have a major impact on everyday life.

• Dementia

• Diabetes mellitus

is a severe conditionEnd-stage liver disease is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

is a serious conditionEnd-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is a serious condition that requires dialysis to manage.

• HIV/AIDS

• Neurologic disorders

can cause anemiaSevere hematologic disorders can lead to anemia, a potentially life-threatening condition.

• Stroke

What Is the Grocery Benefit

The Medicare Grocery Benefit, otherwise known as a Medicare Food Allowance or Health Foods Card, gives grocery funds to certain Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNP) such as a D-SNP or C-SNP - two kinds of Medicare Advantage plans. The advantage is typically available for D-SNP recipients.

It's important to make sure that your Medicare insurance plan offers the Medicare Grocery Benefit before signing up, as this benefit isn't available from all insurers and the guidelines may differ depending on the plan. Contact your Medicare insurance plan provider to learn more and verify eligibility.

Types Of Groceries

The following topics are usually discussed:

are important for a healthy diet.Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is essential for maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet.

• Frozen meals

are available.Try out our delicious fresh salad kits today!

• Dairy products

• Pantry staples

• Water

• Soup

• Nutritional bars

are popular food itemsMeat and seafood are widely enjoyed culinary delights!

The following are NOT typically included:

• Alcohol

• Pet food

• Desserts

• Self-care items

• Hygiene products

How The Grocery Benefit Works

If you're eligible, you can get a Medicare Food Allowance card that's either a prepaid Visa card or a coupon card that's reloaded either monthly or quarterly. The average monthly benefit amount for the card is set to be $150 in 2023. However, when looking at different insurers, the amount loaded on the card can range from $25 - $275 per month.

Swiping a prepaid Visa card is just like using a normal debit card, but if you’re using a coupon card, the cashier will need to scan the back of it. Before you can make a purchase with your Medicare Food Allowance card, you need to activate it. Keep in mind that the funds on this card likely won't carry over from month to month, so make sure to use it all up while you can!

Grocery stores that accept your Medicare grocery allowance card can vary with each plan. Popular stores such as Walgreens, Walmart, Food Lion, Kroger and CVS are likely to accept your card. To find out what your plan covers, contact your insurer to see what foods and stores you can use your card for. Certain insurers may even let you pay in-store or shop online for approved foods. CarePlus Health Plans, for instance, offers home-delivered meals through DeliverLean at no extra cost.

Examples of Insurance Companies and Benefit Amounts

For only $50 per month, you can get the coverage you need with Florida Blue.

For just $25-50 per month, Wellcare can help you stay healthy and secure!

Humana: Get your health care coverage for as little as $35 per month! Enjoy plans up to $275 per month!

With United HealthCare, you can get comprehensive health coverage for only $150 a month!

Save money and get the coverage you need with Blue Shield California - for as low as $25 per month!

For just $30-$140 a quarter, Clover Health has got you covered!

Other Food Programs

Every year, Meals on Wheels is providing a whopping 221 million nutritious meals to 2.4 million elderly Americans. Delivered Monday through Friday, these meals make a world of difference to seniors who may not be able to cook for themselves. If you or your loved one is in need, there are qualification requirements to be eligible for this amazing service.

With an average of $104 each month, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps fight food insecurity among our nation's low-income senior citizens. However, despite its potential to bring stability to the lives of many, a shocking three out of five eligible seniors are not taking advantage of this valuable benefit.