Category: Medicare

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 38 million Americans have diabetes, one of the conditions for which Medicare provides nutrition counseling. This raises a key question for many beneficiaries: does Medicare pay for you to see a dietitian?

While many assume all medically necessary treatments are covered, Original Medicare typically does not pay for nutritional supplements like Ensure. The answer to coverage is far more complex and depends on the specific plan and medical circumstances, especially if used for tube feeding.

Flex cards are provided through select Medicare Advantage plans, not directly by the government, and may include an allowance for groceries. Understanding what foods can you buy with a flex card is key to leveraging this benefit for better nutrition and health management. The eligible items are typically restricted to healthy and nutritious options to support overall wellness.

While Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not offer food benefits, certain Medicare Advantage plans do, with about 41% of Special Needs Plans offering a food allowance in 2023. This guide explains how do you qualify for a Medicare food allowance and what to look for in 2025.

While most people assume benefit cards are for food only, the rules vary significantly by program and provider. The critical question, 'can I buy gas with my healthy food card?', has a complex answer depending on the specific card you possess, with most standard plans explicitly prohibiting fuel purchases.

According to federal data, millions of seniors miss out on billions in nutrition benefits, including the healthy food allowance offered by many Medicare Advantage plans. This valuable supplemental benefit can significantly help with grocery costs for eligible beneficiaries and is not a fixed, universal amount.

According to reports, millions of Medicare Advantage plan members have access to allowances for over-the-counter (OTC) products, groceries, and other health-related items through programs like Healthy Benefits Plus. Learning how to navigate and order from Healthy Benefits Plus can maximize these valuable health plan benefits.

According to UnitedHealthcare, the UCard is designed to support healthier eating by covering a wide range of food items. Navigating the specific list of eligible grocery products can be confusing, but understanding what foods can I buy with my UnitedHealthcare OTC card is crucial for maximizing your health plan's benefits.

Food insecurity affects millions of older adults, with one recent study indicating that Medicare enrollees face notable risks related to obtaining adequate food. While Original Medicare does not offer direct food aid, certain privately-run Medicare Advantage plans can include grocery allowances and meal delivery services as supplemental benefits.

According to UnitedHealthcare, the UCard is designed to support healthy living through specific benefits, which means a wide range of items are restricted. Understanding what can I not buy with my UCard is crucial for a smooth and frustration-free shopping experience, especially since ineligible purchases can vary by plan and retailer.