If you are asking about home-delivered meals, start here: contact the member's service coordinator or case manager if they have one, or start with our locations page for the state where the member lives. Bring three details: the member's ZIP code, their program or health plan if you know it and whether meals are already approved, if you know. A general question helps you learn the process. Confirm whether any later form starts an inquiry, referral or application before you submit it.
Who to contact first
Where you start depends on the member's situation:
- If the member already has a service coordinator or case manager, start there. They know the member's program and can explain what it covers. In Pennsylvania's Community HealthChoices program, for example, the Department of Human Services says every participant receiving long-term services and supports picks a service coordinator who coordinates their services.
- If you are not sure who that is, the member's program or health plan can tell you.
- If you want to ask Meals Direct directly, start with our locations page and choose the member's state.
Every state runs its own programs. According to Medicaid.gov, states design home and community-based services programs for people who prefer to get long-term services and supports at home, and eligibility rules differ between programs.
Start with three details
You do not need every answer before you ask. But these three details help any team give you a more useful answer.
1. The member's ZIP code
Service areas vary within each state. The ZIP code is a starting detail for a service-area question. Ask which location information is needed to confirm the actual address.
2. The program or health plan, if you know it
Eligibility and authorization depend on the member's program. If you know which program or plan covers the member, share it. If not, say so. The team can help you figure out where to look.
3. Whether meals are already approved, if you know
Some members already have meals authorized and only need a provider. Others are asking for the first time. Knowing which situation applies helps the team point you to the right next step.
Questions to ask about coverage and authorization
When you talk with the member's coordinator, program or our team, these questions can help:
- Can home-delivered meals be part of the member's service plan?
- What is needed for meals to be authorized?
- Which meal providers serve the member's area?
- Is there any cost to the member? Some eligible members may receive authorized meal benefits at no personal cost. Coverage and authorization vary.
- What happens next, and who will follow up?
Write down the answers and the name of the person you spoke with. It makes the next call easier.
Asking does not guarantee eligibility
It is normal to feel unsure whether someone qualifies. Asking is how you find out. Ask what the team can check from a general question and what needs a formal request. An inquiry is not an authorization of meal benefits.
Eligibility and authorization are decided through the member's program. A meal provider does not make that decision. If the answer is "not right now," ask what other support might be available and when it makes sense to ask again.
Where to begin, step by step
- Find the member's service coordinator or case manager, if they have one.
- Gather the three details: ZIP code, program or plan, approval status.
- Ask the questions above.
- If meals fit, find the Meals Direct team for the member's state through our locations page.
Please keep health details, ID numbers and case information out of social media comments and messages. For anything personal, use the phone, the Request a call form or email.
