Incorporating the right nutrients into your diet offers tangible, physical benefits. And, if you’re managing a chronic condition or recovering from a hospital stay, knowing what food combinations will offer you the best nutritional support can greatly impact quality of life.

That’s the aim behind a benefit offered to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s SecureBlue (Minnesota Senior Health Options) members, seniors who have a combined Medicare and Medical Assistance plan. Through this plan, eligible seniors can receive medically tailored meals, alongside nutritional coaching with a licensed dietician. The plan is open to seniors managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, as well as those recovering at home following a hospital discharge.

"I want to thank you so much. I enjoyed the meals that you gave me and I appreciate it so much. It was a blessing for me, it came at a time that I really needed it." -Program participant

Launched in 2019, this program was created based on revised guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which came to fruition as health plans sought greater flexibility to offer non-traditional benefits, like healthy meals, to their members. Because many seniors also face food insecurity, this program answers an important social need, while helping seniors become healthier.

“This program is all about the interplay between nutrition, quality of life and maintaining health,” says Karla Kosel, partner relations director on Blue Cross’ Government Market Solutions team.

“We feel strongly that nutrition is vital for our seniors, so we are excited to be able to offer this benefit.”

Fresh food, easy meal planning key to long-term success

Because the program is not only a meal delivery service, but also includes nutrition education and a cookbook, several participants have reported feeling better prepared to cook healthier on their own.

One wrote, “I have a better idea of what I might try because I didn’t have any gastrointestinal issues with your food like I normally do. It also showed me the right portions. I’ve signed up for the weekly newsletter to get new recipe ideas from you!”

And others have reported seeing improved health outcomes based on the changes they’ve made. Another participant reported, “My visits with you have been so beneficial to me, along with my new COPD classes and exercise classes…I feel really, really good. I feel healthier and I have more energy!”

Partnering to bring food as medicine to seniors in need

To bring the seniors this benefit, Blue Cross partners with Open Arms for the nutrition coaching program and metro-area meal delivery, and Mom’s Meals for Greater Minnesota meal delivery. The meals are intentionally created using mostly fresh foods and tailored not only to meet specific medical needs, but also to dietary preferences.

“You guys are a lifesaver. You’ve helped me so much and the food has been delicious.” -Program participant

“Helping people understand how to eat can change the trajectory of chronic conditions,” Cookie Anderson, the senior project manager who oversees this program for Blue Cross, explains.

“It helps participants understand how to create a complete balanced meal, while also potentially introducing them to new foods or ways of preparing their meal.”

Proven success leads to 2020 expansion

The program’s success means it will continue into 2020 and, based on CMS updates, it can expand from the current two-week program to twelve weeks for chronic disease management participants. The post-hospital discharge program will remain four weeks. Both will continue to offer dietician services, as well.

“It can be eye-opening for seniors to understand and see the tangible benefits when they start making behavior changes,” Kosel says.  “That’s why we’re excited about bumping up this program to a longer benefit duration, as that will increase the likelihood of long-term behavior change.”

Earlier this year, Leah Herbert Welles, the executive director of Open Arms of Minnesota, shared an overview of this program in MinnPost. Her Community Voices submission can be found here.