NYS SCN Food Assistance Eligibility Quick-Reference Guide (Adults Under 65)

To qualify an adult (aged 18 to 64) without dependent children for Level 2 SCN physical food benefits (Medically Tailored Meals, Grocery Delivery, Fruit/Veggie Vouchers), they must meet all four criteria below simultaneously.

1. Insurance Verification (Mandatory)

The individual must be enrolled in an active, state-sponsored Medicaid Managed Care option.

• Eligible Plans: Standard Medicaid Managed Care (MCO), Health and Recovery Plans (HARP), or HIV Special Needs Plans (SNPs).

• Note: Individuals with "Straight Medicaid" (Fee-for-Service) only qualify for basic navigation, not physical food delivery.

2. Health-Related Social Need (HRSN) Validation

• The individual must screen Positive for Food Insecurity on Questions 4 and 5 of the official NYS 12-Question Accountable Health Communities (AHC) Screening Tool.

3. Priority "Enhanced Population" Pathways (Select At Least One)

When filling out the SCN referral portal, check the box for any of these qualifying categories that apply to the adult:

• Behavioral Health Needs: A documented Serious Mental Illness (SMI) or Substance Use Disorder (SUD) (e.g., severe clinical depression, schizophrenia, active substance treatment).

• High Medicaid Utilization: 3+ emergency department visits OR 2+ inpatient hospital stays within the past 12 months.

• Justice Involvement: Individuals recently released from state incarceration or local jail within the past 12 months who also live with a chronic health condition.

• Housing Instability: Currently experiencing homelessness, residing in a temporary shelter, or facing an active threat of eviction.

• Care Management Enrollment: Active enrollment in a NYS Health Home care management program.

4. Clinical Conditions (Mandatory for Medically Tailored Meals)

To justify home-delivered prepared meals, document at least one active chronic health diagnosis:

• Diabetes

• Hypertension / Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) / Renal Failure

• HIV / AIDS or Active Cancer Treatment

• Severe Physical Disability (rendering them unable to safely prepare food or cook independently)