As a patient or caregiver, what is the toughest part about managing chronic kidney disease? If you answered ‘meal planning and eating healthy,’ you are not alone. Many patients are given little information on how to implement a kidney-friendly diet, and that often leads to frustration. 

Fortunately, there are kidney-friendly meal delivery and grocery delivery programs being developed to help support CKD patients, and certain insurance plans and providers will at least partially cover them. Learn more about some of these programs and if they may be able to help you or a loved one eat healthier. 

Season Health

Season Health is a one-stop-shop designed to help improve your health with your diet. With a $75 per month subscription fee, you will receive access to a dedicated registered dietitian, personalized meal recommendations, hundreds of kidney-friendly recipes, and concierge grocery ordering. Using this program, even temporarily, will teach you how to implement a kidney-friendly diet that addresses all of your health conditions, allergies, and food preferences.

Mom’s Meals

As a meal delivery service, Mom’s Meals is one of the most popular and affordable for kidney-friendly eating. For those covered under Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid plans, Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) programs, or the Older Americans Act, you could be eligible to receive free meals temporarily or indefinitely with their program. Self-pay is also available through their website, where you can choose your meals, which start at $7.99 per meal for kidney-friendly options. 

DeliverLean CARE

Created in 2011, DeliverLean CARE prides itself on being chef-designed and dietitian-approved. They are striving to create and deliver highly nutritious pre-cooked meals for those with chronic conditions. They partner with Humana, AvMed, and CarePlus Health Plan insurances to cover meals for seniors. 

At this time, they do not offer specific CKD restrictions but do offer low sodium and diabetes-friendly meals. Therefore, they would be a great option for those in the earlier stages of CKD who do not have restrictions on protein, potassium, or phosphorus. 

Magic Kitchen

Designed for CKD Stages 3 and 4, Magic Kitchen offers pre-cooked meals designed by a dietitian and delivered to your door. They aim to be low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, and moderate in protein. You can choose to order à la carte or meal bundles for a discounted rate. 

Will my insurance cover meals or nutrition education?

A few insurances are starting to see food as medicine, and are covering the cost of meal deliveries. Other insurances may cover the cost of dietary education to teach you how to cook and eat healthier. Many more insurance plans now cover the cost of meals temporarily after a hospitalization. While each insurance plan is different, it is important to call your insurance provider and ask what nutrition benefits you may receive as a CKD patient.