The Scoop About Medically Tailored Meals: How They Work & Who Can Qualify
Written by Phung Kim La, Dietetic Intern
When managing a chronic health condition, one of the biggest challenges can be figuring out what to eat, how to prepare it, and how to make nutrition recommendations work in everyday life. For someone dealing with diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, cancer, or another complex medical condition, preparing meals that meet their nutritional needs can feel overwhelming.
This is where Medically Tailored Meals may be able to help.
What are Medically Tailored Meals?
Medically Tailored Meals are prepared, nutrient-dense meals designed to meet the nutritional needs of people living with certain chronic or serious health conditions. Depending on the program and individual needs, meals may be tailored to include options such as:
Low-sodium meals
Carbohydrate-controlled meals
Heart-healthy meals
Kidney-friendly meals
Texture-modified meals
Meals designed around other specific medical or nutritional needs
Unlike regular meal delivery services, medically tailored meals are designed with a person's health condition and nutrition needs in mind. The goal is to make following individualized nutrition recommendations more manageable while reducing some of the barriers to preparing meals at home.
At As You Are Nutrition, we are honored to serve many different patient populations, including members of our local Medi-Cal plan, Partnership HealthPlan. In this blog, we will go over how members can access Medically Tailored Meals, who may qualify, what to expect, and how a Registered Dietitian can help.
How do I Qualify for Medically Tailored Meals?
Eligibility varies by health plan and program, so having a particular diagnosis does not automatically guarantee approval.
People living with chronic or serious health conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver disease, or other nutrition-sensitive conditions may qualify.
Other factors may also be considered, including difficulty preparing meals, functional or mobility limitations, nutritional risk, and other health-related social needs.
Importantly, you do not necessarily need to have been hospitalized to qualify. Eligibility depends on the requirements of the specific program and your individual medical and nutritional needs.
How Medically Tailored Meals (MTM) Can Support Your Health
Medically Tailored Meals can provide valuable nutrition support during illness, recovery, or ongoing chronic disease management.
Having meals prepared and delivered can:
Make balanced meals more accessible
Reduce the burden of grocery shopping and cooking
Help individuals follow individualized nutrition recommendations
Support adequate nutrition during illness or recovery
Help manage nutrition-sensitive chronic conditions
Reduce barriers that may otherwise make meal preparation difficult
The larger goal is to support health and independence and, when appropriate, help reduce the need for emergency or hospital care.
How an RD Can Help
Registered Dietitians are an important part of medically tailored meal programs. Dietitians can assess whether MTM may be appropriate and help identify the nutrition needs that should be considered when selecting or designing meals.
A Registered Dietitian may:
Complete or support a meal referral
Provide medical or nutrition justification
Evaluate individual dietary needs
Provide nutrition education
Help connect the client with an appropriate meal vendor
Coordinate nutrition care with the client's healthcare team
At As You Are Nutrition, we can help you understand your nutrition needs and determine whether Medically Tailored Meals may be an appropriate resource for you.
What to Expect After Your Referral
While the process varies by program, you can generally expect:
1. Referral and eligibility review
A healthcare provider, Registered Dietitian, care manager, or other eligible referral source submits a referral.
2. Insurance review and authorization
Your health plan reviews your eligibility and may request medical documentation, such as diagnoses, medical notes, or other information supporting the need for meals.
3. Nutrition assessment
A Registered Dietitian evaluates your medical and nutrition needs to determine what type of meals are appropriate.
4. Connection with a meal vendor
If approved, you will be connected with an approved meal provider.
5. Meal delivery
Meals are delivered directly to your home. Depending on the program, you may be able to select meals from an approved menu.
How Long Can You Receive Medically Tailored Meals?
The length and amount of meal support varies by program and health plan.
For Partnership HealthPlan members, medically tailored meals may generally be authorized for up to 3 meals a day, running up to 12 weeks at a time, with additional services potentially available when medically necessary and approved. It is important to confirm the current benefit with your health plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Medi-Cal pay for meal delivery?
Potentially, yes. Medically Tailored Meals are available as a Community Support for eligible Medi-Cal members through participating health plans. However, not every Medi-Cal member automatically qualifies. Eligibility is based on the individual's health condition, nutritional needs, and the requirements of the specific program.
Do I need to have been hospitalized?
No! Hospitalization is not always required. Some programs consider medical conditions and other health-related needs when determining eligibility.
Can Medically Tailored Meals help with food insecurity?
Medically Tailored Meals can help improve access to nutritious food for eligible individuals. However, MTM is different from general food assistance programs and is intended specifically to address nutrition needs related to medical conditions.
If you are experiencing food insecurity, your healthcare team or dietitian can also help connect you with additional resources such as CalFresh, food banks, community meal programs, and other food assistance.
Can I choose my meals?
It depends on the program and meal provider.
Some providers allow participants to choose from a menu of meals that meet their nutritional needs. Other programs may assign meals based on the individual's medical condition.
How much do the meals cost?
Cost depends on the program and your eligibility. For eligible Medi-Cal members receiving MTM through their health plan, meals may be provided at no cost to the member. Some programs, such as Mom’s Meals, also offer meals at a low price for those not covered.
Medically Tailored Meals in Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Marin, and Other Partnership Counties:
Partnership HealthPlan serves communities throughout Northern California. Depending on your health plan, location, and eligibility, meal providers may include:
Available providers and health plan requirements can change, so always confirm current availability and eligibility before beginning a referral.
Could Medically Tailored Meals Be Right for You?
Managing a chronic health condition is about more than knowing what foods to eat. Having access to appropriate, convenient, and nourishing meals can make it much easier to put nutrition recommendations into practice.
If you are managing a chronic health condition and think Medically Tailored Meals could help, talk with your healthcare provider, care manager, or Registered Dietitian about whether you may qualify.
As You Are Nutrition is here to help you navigate your nutrition needs and connect you with resources that can support your health.