If you're pregnant or recently gave birth and enrolled in New York Medicaid, there's a benefit you may not know about — and you're likely already entitled to it.
What Does HRSN Stand For?
HRSN stands for Health-Related Social Needs. It refers to non-medical factors that affect a person's health — things like access to food, housing stability, and transportation. New York State recognizes that these factors are just as important to health outcomes as clinical care.
What Is the HRSN Meal Program?
Under New York's NYHER 1115 Medicaid Waiver, eligible Medicaid members can receive home-delivered meals as an HRSN service. For pregnant and postpartum women, this means:
- 21 free meals per week — 3 meals per day, 7 days per week
- Available during pregnancy and for up to 12 months after delivery (approximately 15 months total)
- $0 cost to you — fully covered by Medicaid
- Each eligible household member qualifies separately
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for the HRSN meal program in New York, you must be enrolled in New York State Medicaid, be currently pregnant or have delivered within the last 12 months, and have a delivery address within New York State.
How Do You Access It?
Most eligible patients never access this benefit simply because no one connects them to it. Orivia Care exists to close that gap. When you enroll through Orivia Care, our partner United Hands contacts you within 24–48 hours to complete the screening and enrollment. Meals begin delivering within 7 days of approval.
Is This the Same as SNAP?
No. SNAP and the HRSN meal program are completely separate. You can receive both simultaneously. SNAP provides money to buy groceries; HRSN delivers freshly cooked meals directly to your home twice a week.