Bento is now available in New York!
Bento is excited to announce that we have expanded our service to the Capital Region, North Country, Central counties, and Hudson Valley regions of New York. By serving a whole new area of the US, we are proud to move forward in our mission to help even more members achieve better health and wellness through food.
Starting in late September, Medicaid members in New York can complete a health screening to see if they are eligible for health-related benefits including medically-tailored groceries.
What is Bento?
Bento provides members with medically-tailored groceries and health coaching. Members choose from curated grocery orders each week, and orders are delivered from local grocery stores, no different than any other grocery order. Bento allows members to choose their delivery time, so receiving groceries is convenient and hassle-free.
Who is eligible?
Medicaid members residing in the Capital Region, North Country, Central counties, and Hudson Valley regions of New York with a qualifying health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension might be eligible. Members will need to complete a screening to confirm eligibility. Note: Qualification is not impacted by immigration status, employment status, or nationality.
How to sign up
If you are in the Capital Region, North Country, or Central counties:
Healthy Alliance is Bento’s partner in New York that connects Medicaid members with services to support their health. Applicants can complete a health screening with Healthy Alliance by calling 518-520-3211 or clicking the button below.
Once a screening has been completed, Healthy Alliance will contact applicants within 5 business days to let them know if they are approved, and what services they qualify for (not just the Bento benefit). To receive Bento, applicants must specifically request it when they speak to Healthy Alliance.
If you are in the Hudson Valley region:
The Hudson Valley Care Coalition is Bento’s partner in the Hudson Valley region that connects Medicaid members with services to support their health. Applicants can initiate a health screening with HVCC by calling 914-215-5292 or clicking the button below.
How long does this benefit last?
Enrolled Bento members will receive free healthy groceries once per week for 6 months. Orders include items from around the grocery store like fresh produce, pantry staples, spices, healthy fats, whole grains, and more.
If approved by their health plan, members can reauthorize this benefit at the end of their 6-month membership, so the benefit will last even longer for those members.
Members can also receive nutrition coaching to help them get the most out of their membership and create lasting lifestyle change and improved health outcomes.