Although not part of Original Medicare, the food allowance can offer meaningful support to some individuals with chronic conditions or limited incomes. But its availability and structure vary by plan, making it critical to understand the exact terms.
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C, have increasingly included food-related benefits as supplemental options in recent years. In 2026, some plans added new allowances, while others removed them entirely. According to data reviewed from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), grocery benefits remain limited and are usually tied to specific eligibility rules.
Who Qualifies for the Grocery Allowance in 2026
The so-called Medicare grocery card is not issued by Medicare itself. It is a supplemental feature offered by a select group of Medicare Advantage plans and targeted primarily at individuals facing chronic health conditions or those who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
According to CMS guidelines, many plans limit the benefit to members with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney failure, where nutritional support is considered part of broader health management. Some individuals may qualify under the Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) designation. Others may become eligible through Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), which are designed for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
In 2026, plan providers such as Humana, Wellcare, Anthem, and UnitedHealthcare offer grocery allowances on select plans, but only under strict criteria. According to Medicare.gov, the benefit is commonly delivered through a prepaid card and may only cover specific food items such as fresh produce, meat, dairy, and other staples that align with nutrition guidelines.
The amount provided can vary significantly (from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year) depending on the plan. However, these funds often do not roll over month to month, making it important for members to use them within each cycle.
Changes to Grocery Benefit Availability in 2026
The landscape for grocery allowances in Medicare Advantage shifted notably between 2025 and 2026. According to CMS public data, several plans added the benefit for the first time, while others removed or restructured it.
Plans such as CareSource Dual Advantage (IN), SCAN Embrace (CA), and UnitedHealthcare AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA-0017 (CA) introduced food allowances in 2026. Meanwhile, others like Aetna Medicare Assure Value (TX) and Devoted Health Prime (AZ) eliminated the benefit, potentially affecting thousands of enrollees.
Because these plans are managed by private insurers approved by Medicare, the specifics can change yearly. Beneficiaries are strongly advised to consult their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC) documents for 2026 to confirm whether the benefit is included in their plan and whether they personally qualify.
Plans also differ in how the allowance is labeled. Terms such as “Food and Produce”, “Flex card”, or “Healthy Food” may all refer to variations of the grocery benefit. Reading the fine print is necessary, especially since some benefits are only activated if the member is actively engaged in care management or has documentation of a qualifying condition.
Understanding the structure of Medicare Advantage grocery benefits in 2026 can help eligible enrollees make informed decisions during enrollment windows. For others, knowing what’s not included can prevent confusion and false expectations.
