Medicare Free Meal Delivery: Too Good to Be True?

Many Medicare plans are now advertising free meal delivery services — but is this too good to be true? The short answer is both yes and no. Some Medicare plans offer free meal delivery service; however, you must meet the stipulations, and these offers are typically limited. Let’s review some details about these plans, so you can weigh your options fairly and choose the best healthcare plan for you. 

What’s the Medicare Free Meal Delivery Option?

Original Medicare usually doesn’t include the free meal delivery service. Instead, Part A provides hospital coverage, and Part B provides medical coverage. However, if you’re an inpatient at a hospital or a skilled nursing facility, Part A will cover meals at that location only.

Many individuals are now choosing to replace their Original Medicare with Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C. You can purchase these Part C plans through a private insurance company. They usually offer additional coverage beyond the typical vision, dental, and hearing that the Original Medicare plans provide.

Some Medicare Advantage plans currently offer free meal delivery services, but the cost and availability depend on your area. This service is not guaranteed in every area nor with every plan. So, you must review your plan thoroughly to ensure that your chosen plan will work for you where you live. 

Keep in mind that the private insurance company offering the Part C plan also writes the stipulations for the policyholders. There are a few factors you must consider before enrolling in one plan over another. It’s essential to talk with your insurance provider to get the details on your specific plan (or any that pique your interest). 

• Some plans have specific rules. Most plans have nutritional requirements that you must follow to enjoy this service. However, it’s not as simple as ordering any food you crave at the moment and expecting a Part C plan to pay for it. Instead, your meals must align with Medicare’s daily nutritional guidelines. 
• Some plans are for a limited time only. Many plans only offer assistance for a set time frame or a specific number of meals. For example, your Part C plan might only offer ten delivered meals if you’re discharged from the hospital. Your meals can be tailored to your dietary needs, of course. For example, vegetarians can request vegetarian meals, and so forth. Additionally, most plans are limited on how many times you can use this free meal delivery service. However, four hospital stays are relatively standard. 
• Some plans have specific requirements. Aside from time restraints or usage limitations, many plans might work with meal delivery services in your area if you have a chronic medical condition. For example, congestive heart failure and diabetes are only a couple of chronic illnesses that often qualify for more help. Many Part C plans offer up to 20 delivered meals for these particular conditions. 

Should This Option Impact Your Plan Choice?

Having free meals delivered to your doorsteps is no doubt enticing. It’s a fantastic option to consider, of course. But it’s an especially helpful option for those who don’t have family or friends to offer care in times of need. And if you have an upcoming surgery or procedure, planning ahead is crucial. 

However, it shouldn’t generally be the deciding factor whether you choose one plan over another. Take time to review your plan options. Talk with a trusted individual, preferably one who fully understands all the plans available to you. A seasoned insurance professional can help you get to know local Part C plans, as well. 

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Medicare Plan? 

If there are more elements to a plan than a free meal delivery service, what are they? Here are a few of the most important factors to consider when choosing the plan that fits your needs best. 

Factor #1: Are your doctors in-network?

 Having an in-network primary care physician (PCP) can be your budget’s best friend. Appointments and billing tend to go smoothly, and insurance providers have an easier time sorting through claims activity. 

Conversely, out-of-network providers — PCP or specialist — tend to cost more and sometimes cause your insurance provider issues. So, when it comes down to the details of your healthcare plan, this aspect should weigh heavily on your decision to choose one plan over another.  

Factor #2: Are your prescriptions and chronic illness needs covered?

The fight for transparency in the pharmaceutical industry is ongoing. What this usually means is that prescriptions can cost loads of money, especially if you’re paying for them by yourself. That said, the second most vital aspect of a healthcare plan is whether your prescriptions are covered. 

Also, many individuals face chronic illnesses and must accommodate specific needs. Does your plan cover those needs? Without that critical coverage, it’s challenging to take care of yourself the way your body needs. So, consider this detail one to top your list of concerns.

Factor #3: What are the out-of-pocket costs?

Lastly, when comparing plans, determine how much each one will cost you. Some plans cover services that other plans don’t. Please do your best to know these costs because they can sneak up on you quickly. 

Keep in mind that comparing plans is no easy task. It would be fantastic if you were sizing up apples to apples — but that’s not always the case. So instead, ask a friend or ally, such as a trusted insurance professional or family member, to help you sort through all the details. 

What Are Other Meal Delivery Options?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently approved grants for community organizations and services that provide meals to qualifying adults. The following are a handful of these meal delivery services that might serve as a great option if you’re searching for one. Consider these services:

• Meals on Wheels
• PACE program
• Medicaid
• Administration for Community Living
• Daily Harvest
• Blue Apron
• Sprinly
• Snap Kitchen
• Purple Carrot
• The Good Kitchen
• Factor
• Freshly
• Sun Basket
• HelloFresh
• Home Chef
• Martha & Marley Spoon
  

Sorting through a plan’s details is no small task. Please reach out for help if you’re unsure of the options available to you or if you’d like more information about a specific plan. 

Need advice about insurance? Please contact us today, call (833) 414-5520 to speak to a licensed agent, or get a free quote.