Headline
Home-delivered meals reduced rates of 30-day rehospitalization and death for Medicare Advantage members post hospitalization.
Context
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans can offer meals as a supplemental benefit to members with certain chronic conditions, potentially reducing costs and improving health outcomes. This study reviewed the impact of home-delivered meals on MA members following hospitalizations for heart failure or other acute medical conditions.
Findings
Of the nearly 12,000 MA members studied, members who received meals had significantly lower odds of 30-day rehospitalization and death compared to those who did not receive meals. These lower odds were also observed 60 days following discharge for members with any acute medical conditions. Overall, the outcomes were more strongly associated with a reduction in mortality than rehospitalization.
Takeaways
Home-delivered meals for older adults after hospitalization can lower the likelihood of 30-day readmission and mortality. MA plans can explore offering this supplemental benefit, if they do not do so already.