How to Get Medicare-Covered Groceries: What You Need to Know
Access to healthy food is essential for managing chronic conditions and maintaining overall well-being—especially for older adults. What many don’t realize is that some Medicare Advantage plans now offer grocery benefits as part of their expanded services.
If you or a loved one is enrolled in the right plan, you may be eligible to receive food allowances or grocery delivery through Medicare.
Do Medicare Plans Really Cover Groceries?
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover groceries. However, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans—offered by private insurers—have started including grocery benefits as part of Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI). These benefits are designed to help improve health outcomes by addressing social determinants of health, such as nutrition.
This means that if you qualify, you could receive a monthly or quarterly allowance to purchase healthy foods at participating retailers.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility depends on the specific plan and provider, but you may qualify if:
- You are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers SSBCI or a similar nutrition benefit.
- You have been diagnosed with a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease.
- Your provider determines that nutrition support would help improve your health or manage your condition.
- You meet any income or participation criteria set by your specific plan.
Some plans may extend these benefits only to dual-eligible individuals (those with both Medicare and Medicaid), while others may be open to a broader group.
How to Apply and Get Started
- Review Your Plan: Contact your current Medicare Advantage plan or log in to your member portal to see if grocery benefits are included. Not all plans offer this feature.
- Enroll in a Qualifying Plan: During Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7), you can switch to a plan that includes grocery benefits. You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you meet certain life circumstances.
- Get Approved: If eligible, your healthcare provider may need to certify that grocery support is medically necessary for managing your condition.
- Use a Prepaid Card or Retailer Partnership: Most plans issue a prepaid benefits card that can be used at major chains like Walmart, Kroger, CVS, or even for delivery through Instacart or Mom’s Meals. Funds typically renew monthly or quarterly.
What Groceries Are Covered?
Covered items vary by plan but generally include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Dairy products
- Canned goods with low sodium/sugar
- Nutritional drinks and supplements (e.g., Ensure)
- Sometimes, medically tailored meals or meal kits
Non-food items like paper towels, cleaning products, or alcohol are usually not eligible under grocery allowances.
Conclusion
Grocery benefits through Medicare Advantage plans offer a valuable lifeline for older adults managing chronic illnesses. While Original Medicare won’t foot your grocery bill, the right Advantage plan could provide a monthly allowance that helps you eat better and stay healthier. Check your plan’s details, ask your doctor for help with qualification, and make the most of this lesser-known benefit.
Sources
Medicare.gov – https://www.medicare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – https://www.cms.gov
National Council on Aging – https://www.ncoa.org
Mom’s Meals – https://www.momsmeals.com
Kaiser Family Foundation – https://www.kff.org