As many seniors struggle to make ends meet on a fixed income, the Medicare grocery allowance can seem like a much-needed lifeline. However, with so many scams targeting seniors, it’s natural to wonder: is the Medicare grocery allowance a legit benefit, or is it just another too-good-to-be-true offer? 

In short, here’s what you need to know about this grocery allowance:

• The Medicare grocery allowance is legit. It is not a scam. However, scammers and unethical marketers often provide false information about this benefit, fooling people info spending their money on a benefit that might not be available for them or does not work they way it is advertised.
• You can only purchase items approved by your plan (usually healthy foods) and you can only shop at participating stores.
• Original Medicare does not issue grocery allowance and has nothing to do with it. The benefit is only offered by some Medicare Advantage plans. 
• The grocery allowance is only available for some Medicare Advantage beneficiaries eligible for SNP plans (D-SNP or C-SNP). It is not a universally available benefit.
• There is no $900 allowance; the amount usually ranges between $100-$300.

What is a Medicare grocery benefit and how does it work? 

The Medicare grocery benefit was introduced in 2020 and is called a Special Supplemental Benefit for Chronically Ill (SSBCI). The Medicare Grocery Benefit program aims to assist people and provide seniors on Medicare Advantage with access to nutritious food.

Under this program, eligible beneficiaries receive a pre-paid Medicare grocery card (also known as a flex card) that they can use to buy healthy groceries at participating grocery stores like Walmart, Food Lion, Kroger, etc. The card can be used exclusively for making qualifying purchases. The amount of money that you receive monthly is dependent on the Medicare Advantage plan that you have chosen. 

This benefit, available every quarter, enhances your food budget and empowers you to purchase high-quality, nutritious items. Ensure to activate the Flex card upon collection to ensure a seamless process.

What Medicare plan covers groceries?

The grocery benefit is associated with specific Medicare Advantage plans and it is not a part of Original Medicare.

It is specific to Medicare Advantage plans and for the people using the two kinds of Special Needs Plans: Dual Eligible Special Need Plan (D- SNP) and Chronic Condition Special Need Plan (C-SNP). You can find out more about those types of plans in this article.

Original Medicare plan holders may be eligible for D-SNP or C-SNP, which may give access to the Medicare grocery benefit. In this case, they’d need to enroll in a respective Medicare Advantage plan to qualify for the benefit.

Checking in with your service provider to see if you are eligible for the allowance is essential.

What can the Medicare grocery card buy?

You can use the card to purchase eligible food items at participating grocery stores, including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, proteins, bread, cereals, and many more. 

The Medicare grocery card does not cover vitamins, supplements, or non-food items like soap or toiletries. Items like baby foods, alcohol, desserts, soda, etc., are also not included. 

The program’s primary goal is to ensure beneficiaries have access to healthy food. It does not cover all grocery expenses for individuals.

What is the Medicare $900 grocery benefit?

Unfortunately, nothing about the $900 grocery benefit is official as of January 2024. The average monthly benefit amount usually ranges between $100-$300. Sometimes you may see commercials advertising $900 Medicare grocery allowance, but those ads most possibly refer to a yearly amount, not monthly. The monthly benefit in this case is $75.

Medicare grocery allowance eligibility requirements: who qualifies?

To qualify for the program:

• You must be eligible for either D-SNP or C-SNP Medicare Advantage plan.
• The plan you want to enroll in must offer grocery allowance as one of the benefits.
• You must reside in a plan’s service area to be able to enroll in it.

D-SNP plans are for low-income individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, while C-SNP are for people with chronic conditions, like:

• Autoimmune disorder
• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
• Depression
• Diabetes
• End-stage liver disease
• Obesity etc

How to apply for Medicare Grocery Benefit?

To apply for the Medicare grocery benefit, follow these steps:

1. If you do not yet have a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure to apply for one during the next AEP. Without having MA, you won’t be able to apply for the grocery benefit. Use our Medicare Personal Shopper to find the right plan that may have food allowance as one of its benefits.
2. If you already have Medicare Advantage, check if your plan offers the Medicare grocery benefit. Review your plan documents or contact your plan provider to confirm eligibility.
3. If you qualify for the benefit, contact your MA plan provider to inquire about the application process. They will guide you on how to apply and provide any necessary forms or documentation.

Remember, Medicare Advantage Grocery Allowance applications should be submitted directly through your plan provider to avoid falling for marketing strategies and scams. Do not provide sensitive information like payment or personal information over the phone or by email to unknown individuals or entities. Verify the legitimacy of any offers or communications by contacting your plan provider directly using their official contact information.

Following these steps and staying vigilant against scams can ensure a safe and legitimate application process for this valuable benefit.

Article updated on January 22, 2024.