MANNA Referral Program

Health Partners Plans Medicaid is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our members. Since 2015, we have partnered with MANNA to provide medically tailored meals to our members with complex health care needs and those experiencing high-risk pregnancies. This collaboration has proven to be effective in helping members understand their dietary needs, lose weight, improve key disease indicators, and take a more active role in managing their health.

We encourage you to refer eligible Health Partners Plans Adult Medicaid members using the criteria outlined below, so more individuals can benefit from these positive outcomes. The meal program lasts for 12 weeks, with the option for a six-week extension based on the member’s progress toward their health goals.

If you believe a patient could benefit from MANNA’s medically tailored meals but does not meet the criteria listed, please contact us at (215) 845-4797 to discuss. We are happy to review such cases on an individual basis.

Members over the age of 21 with

Diabetes

Criteria (meets one or more criteria per diagnosis):

• HbA1c greater than 8%
• Inconsistent or poor medication adherence
• Recent dietary changes with lack of resources or guidance
• Frequent ER visits or inpatient admissions (≥ 5) for the same diagnosis
• Overweight/Obese (BMI ≥ 25)

Goals (as appropriate):

• Achieve improved HbA1c levels
• Enhance medication adherence
• Gain a better understanding of dietary needs
• Support sustainable weight loss
• Reduce emergency room visits and inpatient admissions

Members over the age of 21 with

Heart Disease/Hyperlipidemia

Criteria (meets one or more criteria per diagnosis):

• Stage II Hypertension (140/90 mm Hg or higher)
• Stage I Hypertension (130-139/80-89 mm Hg) with any of the following:
• Overweight/Obese (BMI ≥ 25)
• Poor medication adherence
• Frequent ER/inpatient utilization (≥ 5) for chest
discomfort
• High cholesterol
• Other co-morbidities

Goals (as appropriate):

• Achieve improved lab values
• Attain better blood pressure control
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of diet and its impact on disease management
• Reduce emergency room visits and hospital admissions

Members over the age of 21 with

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)/End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) 

Criteria (meets one or more criteria per diagnosis):

• Chronic Kidney Disease
• End Stage Renal Disease
• High ER and inpatient utilization (≥ 5)

Goals (as appropriate):

• Consistently adhere to dialysis schedule
• Reduce emergency room visits and hospital admissions
• Develop a clear understanding of how diet affects the diagnosis and overall health

Members of all ages with

High-Risk Pregnancy

Criteria (meets one or more criteria per diagnosis):

• Hyperemesis gravidarum
• Gestational diabetes
• Preeclampsia
• Gestational hypertension

Goals (as appropriate):

• Achieve appropriate weight gain while minimizing side effects
• Maintain regular follow-up with OB provider
• Potentially reduce the need for and/or length of NICU stays
• Decrease maternal emergency room visits and hospital admissions

Referral Process

To refer a member into this program, please complete the MANNA Referral Form on the Form and Supply Requests page (look under "Administrative Forms") and email it to clinicalconnections@jeffersonhealthplans.com. The member will be referred for case management services, and the referral will be forwarded to MANNA for meal services. You will receive an acknowledgement confirming the referral and the assigned case manager.

If you have questions regarding the program or would like to discuss a specific referral, please contact us at (215) 845-4797.

We look forward to collaborating with you to support the health and wellness of our members.