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

Steve and Sue 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 and Sue Brauer on April 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Bill Wheeler · Answer

Original medicare does not directly but a Medicare advantage has some sizeable 
Grocery benefits. Check plans!

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

Voss Speros · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/can-medicare-pay-for-my-groceries#voss-speros

David Silver · Answer

Medicare does not directly pay for groceries, but some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer grocery-related benefits — especially for individuals with certain health conditions or financial needs.

Answered by David Silver on May 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, NJ & NV

Answered by David Silver Medicare Insurance Agent

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

Robert Moore · Answer

No. Medicare is only for your health care needs. Many providers of Medicare Advantage plan have a "over the counter" card available that can help you with small purchases of healthy foods. We can discuss this at detail. Contact us.

Answered by Robert Moore on May 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL & 11 other states

Answered by Robert Moore 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.

Steven Lovell · Answer

Medicare does not cover groceries but some Advantage plans will give grocery allowance as a supplement benefit.

Vernon Jones · Answer

Only if your plan offer that as part of it Summary of Benefit package. But often those that have both Medicare and Medicaid and they has to be eligible for that plan or a Chronic condition grocery maybe apart of the OTC benefits for that plan, but it varies from plan to plan and carrier to carrier for 2025. This Medicare Advantage from carriers does change from year to year.

Answered by Vernon Jones on August 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Vernon Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Valentina Gatewood · Answer

Medicare does not cover groceries, however there are some Medicare advantage plans for those with a chronic illness that may offer an allowance that includes healthy groceries.

Brian Leichner · Answer

This is a more  complex question than it appears.  Medicare itself pays for Doctors and Hospitals.  So the purest answer is no, Medicare cannot pay for your groceries.  

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. Contact me or you can email me.

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 to explore your options.

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski on April 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski Medicare Insurance Agent

Phil Goodge · Answer

While Medicare helps a lot for medical-related expenses it is not designed to provide groceries.  Some Medicare Advantage plans offer OTC medications and supplies which can be helpful to one's budget.

Jo Gallo · Answer

The simple answer is no. The fact that the current Administration is ending ing SNAP Benefits is heart wrenching. My suggestion to all Seniors is find a local food bank and be sure you sign up if it is required. If you need help call your local senior services or SHIP office.

Answered by Jo Gallo on July 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in NJ, AZ, DE & 8 other states

Answered by Jo Gallo Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

Generally, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover groceries. 
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.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

some private Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer a grocery allowance, also known as a healthy food allowance. This benefit is often included in Special Needs Plans (SNPs) designed for individuals with specific health conditions or those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, such as Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) and Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs).

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on July 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

Medicare does NOT pay for groceries. Medicare is ONLY used for medical expenses. Check your Medicare & You book

Deborah Webster · Answer

No, original Medicare does not cover groceries. There are plans (Medicare Advantage) that do give a grocery allowance. These are private insurance companies contracted with Medicare that manage your Parts A and B and can give you additional coverage above and beyond what original Medicare offers. Contact a local insurance agent or talk to a local ship office about what options may be available to you.

Answered by Deborah Webster on July 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ia & SC

Answered by Deborah Webster Medicare Insurance Agent

Toni Chavez · Answer

Thanks for your question!

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

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.

Jami Mead · Answer

Medicare itself does not pay for your groceries, but there are some Medicare Advantage plans that offer benefits towards healthy food, over the counter items, and some even have assistance for pet food! I would be happy to assist you in navigating these options, feel free to give me a call!

Answered by Jami Mead on August 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 11 other states

Answered by Jami Mead Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Kulis · Answer

Some of The Advantage plans have a food benefit. Some of them give you a monthly or quarterly allowance. People that are Dual eligible with Medicare and Medicaid will typically receive a larger monthly allowance for food and or Over the Counter items.

Answered by Brian Kulis on August 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AR, AZ, MO, OK & TX

Answered by Brian Kulis Medicare Insurance Agent

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 :)

Eric Jensen · Answer

There are certain medicare advantage plans that include spending cards that can be use for healthy foods such as water, bread, meat, rice etc.   There are other plans that may provide a spending allowance but it can only be used for Over The Counter (OTC)  items such as vitamins, suppleents and home care items such as toilet paper, cleaning supplies etc..

Your healthcare agent could help you determine which plans include these additional benefits and clarify what they can be used towards.

Cynthia Allen · Answer

Medicare does not pay for groceries.  However, there are some Medicare Advantage Plans 
That offer a health food benefit or grocery allowance.  You have to qualify by being a part of a Medicare Advantage plan that offers this benefit, — example would be a Special Needs Plan which is for individuals with chronic conditions.  If you qualify you will receive a pre-paid card with an allowance that ranges from 25 to 200 dollars.  The plan does specify where you can buy food and which items you can purchase.

Teresa Scott-Carano · Answer

Great question! Some Medicare Advantage Plans may offer a stipend to cover healthy food. You should always check with your current agent to explore if you qualify for one of those plans. You can also contact your local area agency of aging to learn about non insurance options.

Answered by Teresa Scott-Carano on June 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA & OH

Answered by Teresa Scott-Carano Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Hawes · Answer

In certain Medicare Advantage plans, there are extra benefits, among which are over the counter (OTC) and healthy groceries.  OTC gives you access to medical-type supplies from aspirin to canes and vitamins.  You usually can either order them online through their catalogue or go to a major pharmacy chain such as CVS and buy off the shelf.   

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.

Can Medicare pay for my groceries?

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Can Medicare pay for my groceries?

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