Can Medicare pay for my groceries?
Answered by 18 licensed agents
Answered by Brian Moore on March 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH
Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen on April 3, 2025
Agent Licensed in WI, AZ, CA & 16 other states
Answered by David Silver on May 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, NJ & NV
Answered by Michael Andrews on April 15, 2025
Broker Licensed in CT
Answered by Robert Moore on May 24, 2025
Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL & 11 other states
Answered by Christopher Palazzini on April 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, CA, GA & 6 other states
Answered by Vincent Esposito on March 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in NY, FL & NJ
Answered by Steven Lovell on May 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in GA, CA, FL & 7 other states
Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski on April 7, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
If you outsource Medicare to a private insurance company, called Medicare Part C or is also called Medicare Advantage, you may have a healthy grocery benefit. I want to stress may have that benefit. It is based on other factors, like where you live, what your income and assets look like and what plans are available to you. If you are on Medicare and Medicaid there is a much higher chance you could qualify for a benefit of healthy groceries.
Even if you do, that benefit is subject to change at least annually or if CMS changes rules. I hope this helps and please consider me a resource. Brian Leichner 402.896.9774 is my office or you can email me at [email protected]
Answered by Brian Leichner on April 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in NE, AZ, CO & IA, KS, MO & TN
However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer a limited grocery allowance as a supplemental benefit. This benefit, sometimes called a "healthy food benefit," "food allowance," or "Medicare grocery stipend," can provide funds to help eligible individuals purchase nutritious food.
Eligibility for this grocery allowance often depends on factors like having chronic health conditions, income level, and the specific Medicare Advantage plan and location.
If you believe you may be eligible, contact your Medicare Advantage provider to check if they offer the benefit and if you meet their criteria. You might need to enroll in a qualifying plan during an enrollment period and provide documentation to prove eligibility. If approved, the benefit is often provided on a prepaid card for use at participating grocery stores.
Important Notes:
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not offer a grocery allowance.
Medicare Advantage plans are not required to include this benefit.
The amount of the allowance and eligible items vary by plan.
Be cautious of Medicare scams offering free grocery allowance debit cards.
Answered by Fred Manas on June 11, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states
Answered by Steve Brauer on April 13, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ & CA
In most cases Original Medicare (Part A & B) does not pay for groceries it's designed to cover medical services.
However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer extra benefits that included help with groceries under certain conditions. These tend to be for people with chronic health conditions or those that qualify for Medicare + Medicaid.
There is a lot of misleading ads on the TV that say you can get money for food; however, that is usually not true unless you qualify. This is one of the BIGGEST questions my clients ask me every year.
This is a good reason to work with a no-cost local broker they can keep you informed of all your options you may be eligible for and compare the plans available in your local area.
I hope this answers your question.
Be well,
Toni Chavez
Medicare Broker
Answered by Toni Chavez on June 9, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, NM, NV & UT
Answered by Sam Silva on April 15, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, GA, NJ & 7 other states
To figure out if you qualify, always check with your local agent or call me :)
Answered by Rachael Metcalf on April 23, 2025
Agent Licensed in TN, FL, GA & 5 other states
Your healthcare agent could help you determine which plans include these additional benefits and clarify what they can be used towards.
Answered by Eric Jensen on June 2, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CA & 8 other states
Healthy groceries will give you access to specific categories of foods: dairy, meat, fresh veggies, etc. up to a limit. Most times you will find this benefit for lower income Medicare recipients but occasionally they will be found among the general Medicare Advantage plans.
Here are a few hints to look for in these benefits:
1. How often does the card replenish-- monthly? quarterly?
2. If you don't use the entire amount by the end of the benefit period (monthly or quarterly), will the remaining amount roll over to the new cycle?
3. Is there a way to ADD to the benefit amount? Some companies will give specific amounts more to that credit if you do certain tasks, such as get your wellness exam, fill out a survey, watch a wellness video.
4. Buying the items especially the OTC items in person is convenient for some, but you have to watch the brand and size specifically. If it's not on the approved list, you will be charged for that item when you get to the cash register.
In this economy, I can understand the importance of the question. Other avenues to consider would be to see where else you can save money so you can buy more groceries. Prescription assistance programs, Medicare financial assistance and other resources are available if you are eligible. Call us or your local Department of Aging for more information.
Answered by Barbara Hawes on June 2, 2025
Broker Licensed in NJ, AZ, CT & 18 other states
Answered by Teresa Scott-Carano on June 11, 2025
Agent Licensed in PA & OH
Tags: Coverage
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