NYS SCN Food Assistance Eligibility Quick-Reference Guide (Seniors)

To qualify an older adult (65+) 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 senior must be enrolled in an active, state-sponsored Medicaid Managed Care option.

• Eligible Plans: Standard Medicaid Managed Care (MCO), Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC), or Medicaid Advantage Plus (MAP).

• 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 senior:

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

• Care Management Enrollment: Active enrollment in a NYS Health Home, MLTC, or MAP plan.

• Behavioral Health Needs: A documented Serious Mental Illness (SMI) or Substance Use Disorder (SUD) (e.g., severe late-onset clinical depression, severe anxiety).

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

4. Clinical Conditions (Mandatory for Medically Tailored Meals)

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

• Diabetes

• Hypertension / Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) / Renal Failure

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