Can Medicare pay for my groceries?

Question

Brian Moore · Accepted Answer

Medicare itself doesn’t pay for groceries—Original Medicare sticks to medical coverage and doesn’t touch stuff like food benefits. But I’ve noticed more Medicare Advantage plans stepping up with ancillary extras, like grocery allowances, built into many options now, especially for folks with specific health needs. It’s not universal, though—depends on the plan and if you qualify, so you’d need to check what’s offered where you are.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Clarence &quot;Mark&quot; Christiansen · Answer

Great question. Most Medicare Advantage DUAL plans for folks with Medicare and Medicaid have a monthly healthy grocery benefit so no cigarettes, alcohol or non-food products. There are a couple of Medicare Advantage plans which may help with groceries for people with A and B Medicare so you don't necessarily have to be on Medicaid to participate but check with your independent agent to find out which plans help with groceries and if you qualify for the added benefit.

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen on April 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI, AZ, CA & 16 other states

Answered by Clarence "Mark" Christiansen Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Palazzini · Answer

No. Some Medicare and Medicaid dual eligible plans may pay for some groceries. You must qualify through low income and qualify for Medicaid

Vincent Esposito · Answer

I know some medicare advantage plans give members what is called an OTC allowance. Supplements cost more than most  advantage plans and do not offer help with your grocery bill.

Michael Andrews · Answer

There are some Medicare Advantage plans that may offer food card benefits, however, these are usually found with Special Needs Plans and not all Medicare beneficiaries qualify. Original Medicare does not cover groceries or other related products such as over the counter benefits.

Answered by Michael Andrews on April 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in CT

Answered by Michael Andrews Medicare Insurance Agent

Paul Dzierzanowski · Answer

No Medicare cannot pay for your groceries. There are some Medicare Advantage plans that will give you a grocery card if you are eligible for certain plans. To see if you are eligible for those plans do not hesitate to contact me directly at 239-848-8893 to explore your options.

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski on April 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Brauer · Answer

Medicare will not pay for your groceries, but certain kinds of coverage under many Medicare Advantage Plans have monthly or quarterly benefit amounts for things like groceries, gasoline, yard work, pest control, even rent.

Answered by Steve Brauer on April 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Sam Silva · Answer

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not pay for groceries. However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may help with groceries under certain conditions.

Rachael Metcalf · Answer

No medicare does not pay for groceries. Now a medicare advantage plan may have those benefits on them for you. Most plans with groceries are for 2 distinct reasons....1. full medicaid with full medicare. 2. you have a chronic conditions. (ie. diabetes, heart, COPD etc)

To figure out if you qualify, always check with your local agent or call me :)

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Can Medicare pay for my groceries?

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