What happens to my Medicare healthy foods benefit during a government shutdown?

As you may have heard, the United States government was previously shutdown. Due to the shutdown, many federal agencies and programs were temporarily pausing services. Although overseen by the federal government, Medicare and Medicaid generally were not impacted. These programs continued during the shutdown so that members could get the care they needed. However, one important program that stopped/paused was SNAP.

SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously called the Food Stamps Program and is a United States federal program. SNAP helps individuals who are living on fixed incomes and low-income households pay for groceries. Individuals and families who qualify for SNAP are given an EBT card loaded with funds each month. The card can be used to buy produce, meat, dairy products, bread and other foods.

When the government shuts down, SNAP may not receive or distribute funds until a new federal budget is approved. In the meantime, those who qualify  for SNAP may need to rely on local food shelves and other programs for food assistance. In some cases, individual states may step in to help bridge the gap. You can check with your specific state for additional information.

Those with a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Special Needs Plan (SNP) may still be able to use their plan’s benefits. If your plan offers a healthy food benefit and you’re eligible, you may still be able to buy groceries with your benefit credit. Some plans also offer an over-the-counter (OTC) allowance that can sometimes be used to buy food. Healthy food and OTC benefits are not offered by Original Medicare.

UnitedHealthcare plan member benefits and services are generally not impacted by government shutdowns, SNAP, WIC or other state programs. Members may keep using their plan as usual.

Some Part C plans and many SNPs provided by private insurers offer a healthy food benefit/allowance to help members pay for groceries. Those eligible for this benefit are given credits to pay for fruits, vegetables, canned goods, frozen foods and pantry staples.

Some other plans offer an OTC benefit, which helps pay for personal care or health and wellness items. An OTC benefit can sometimes be used to pay for healthy foods as well.

UHC plan members that are eligible for an allowance can use their UCard® to pay for groceries.

If you need additional help paying for healthy food, look for resources in your area. UHC Medicare plan members can sign in and check the Community Resources page.

For more information or for the latest updates on SNAP visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/.