• Home-Delivered Meals: Nutritious meals delivered to the participant’s residence (e.g., Meals on Wheels). 

• Congregate Meals: Meals served at senior centers or meal sites. 

• Nutrition Education: Information provided to promote healthy eating habits. 

• Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): Personalized nutrition counseling by registered dietitians for individuals with specific medical needs. 

These services are often provided under Medicaid waiver programs such as the Home and Community-Based (HCB) Waiver, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver, and Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver. 

2. Regulations 

Meal & Nutrition Services are governed by Kentucky Administrative Regulations, including: 

907 KAR 7:010 – Home and Community-Based Waiver Services 

902 KAR 45:005 – Food Service Establishments 

910 KAR 1:180 – Aging Programs 

3. Licensing or Certification 

Providers of home-delivered meals must: 

• Be certified by the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL). 

• Enroll as Medicaid provider type 48 before billing Medicaid. 

4. Responsible State Agency 

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services oversees Meal & Nutrition Services. Specifically: 

The Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) certifies providers. 

The Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) handles Medicaid-related enrollment and reimbursement. 

5. Application Process 

To become a provider of Meal & Nutrition Services: 

• Contact the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) for certification by emailing Amanda Stoess or calling (502) 564-6930. 

• Enroll as a Kentucky Medicaid provider through the Department for Medicaid Services after obtaining certification. 

6. Required Documentation 

Providers must submit: 

• Certification from DAIL 

• Completed Medicaid provider enrollment application 

• Proof of compliance with food safety regulations 

• Policies and procedures for meal preparation and delivery 

• Documentation of staff training in food handling and safety 

7. Timeline for Approval 

The timeline for approval depends on the completion of certification by DAIL and Medicaid provider enrollment. It typically takes several weeks to months. 

8. Pre-Application Process 

Providers must first contact DAIL to initiate the certification process before applying to become a Medicaid provider. 

9. Pre-Application Training 

While no specific pre-application training is required, providers must ensure that staff are trained in: 

• Food safety practices as per 902 KAR 45:005 

• Handling special dietary needs or medically tailored meals 

• Proper storage, preparation, and delivery of meals 

10. Additional Notes 

• Home-delivered meals are covered under Medicaid waivers but must be deemed medically necessary. 

• Eligibility verification can be done via the automated voice response system at (800) 807-1301 or through the KYHealth-Net System. 

• Congregate meal programs also provide opportunities for socialization and connections to other community resources. 

• As of March 2025, Kentucky continues to emphasize nutrition services as a vital component of its Medicaid waiver programs to promote health and independence among vulnerable populations. 

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