Instacart, Medicare Advantage payer ink deal to deliver ‘Food as Medicine’

Medicare Advantage (MA) company Alignment Healthcare has partnered with grocery delivery service Instacart to launch ‘food as medicine’ programs for seniors with chronic illnesses in 13 counties throughout California and Nevada beginning in January 2024. Pending necessary regulatory approval, Alignment aims to be the first MA plan to offer Instacart as a benefit.   

“Our agreement with Instacart brings nutritious food directly to the doorsteps of our chronically ill members, helping to address two of the biggest hurdles today’s seniors face,” said Dawn Maroney, president, markets of Alignment Healthcare, and CEO of Alignment Health Plan. “Knowing some of our members reside in food deserts, opening access to nutritious food is even more important. Instacart Health’s food access and food as medicine programs align with our strong commitment to addressing the holistic health of our seniors to drive positive health outcomes.” 

The co-branded health plans will cover various counties in California, including high-population areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Nevada will also benefit, with regions such as Carson City and Clark receiving the Alignment Health Platinum + Instacart HMO plan. 

Key benefits for members with qualifying chronic conditions include: 

• A grocery allowance ranging from $50 to $100 via Instacart, given 4 times a year
• A free Instacart+ membership and free delivery on orders over $35  
• Dedicated Instacart customer support service  
• A special Alignment Health Virtual Storefront on Instacart, guiding users to recommended healthy foods 

 Transportation and food insecurity rank high among barriers to senior health, according to Alignment’s 2023 Social Threats to Aging Well in America report. Over 18% of seniors who missed necessary medical care did so because they did not have reliable transportation. Among those apprehensive about potential health setbacks in the coming year, roughly 19% of survey participants indicate insufficient access to nutritious food as a cause – an increase from 15% the previous year. 

“We recognize seniors face unique challenges, and Instacart helps overcome barriers to access, including mobility and transportation, by delivering groceries and over-the-counter goods directly from the retailers they trust,” said Sarah Mastrorocco, vice president and general manager, Instacart Health in a statement. “Food and health are deeply personal, and we believe everyone should have the dignity of choice to shop for nutritious foods and essentials that meet their unique preferences, needs and budgets. Our work with Alignment is designed to give chronically ill seniors greater independence and convenience using the power of Instacart’s technology and leading consumer Marketplace.”