MEAL AND NUTRITION SERVICES PROVIDER IN OHIO

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 17
4 min read

SUPPORTING HEALTH AND INDEPENDENCE THROUGH NUTRITIONALLY BALANCED MEALS AND DIETARY SUPPORT

Meal and Nutrition Services in Ohio assist individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or aging-related limitations by ensuring access to regular, healthy, and diet-appropriate meals. These services are critical to helping individuals maintain their health, independence, and quality of life in home and community settings. Meal and Nutrition Services are authorized under Ohio’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM)

Role: Manages Medicaid waiver funding and billing authorization for meal and nutrition-related services.

Agency: Ohio Department of Aging (ODA)

Role: Administers meal services under waivers such as PASSPORT and coordinates local aging networks.

Agency: Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)

Role: Coordinates nutrition services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities enrolled in waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded nutrition services align with HCBS standards.

2. MEAL AND NUTRITION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Meal and Nutrition Services offer home-delivered meals, assistance with grocery shopping, and individualized nutrition planning to promote better health outcomes.

Approved providers may deliver:

Meal Preparation and Delivery: Providing fresh or frozen meals tailored to dietary needs.
Special Diet Meals: Accommodating low-sodium, diabetic, heart-healthy, and allergen-specific diets.
Grocery Shopping Assistance: Helping individuals purchase ingredients and staple foods.
Menu Planning: Coordinating weekly meal schedules in alignment with medical needs.
Nutrition Education: Teaching clients and caregivers about healthy food choices.
In-Home Meal Assistance: Helping individuals with eating, meal setup, or heating prepared meals.
Food Safety Monitoring: Ensuring meals meet proper storage and handling guidelines.
Coordination with Dietitians: When required by ISP or health plan.
Documentation: Tracking meals provided, delivery logs, and individual dietary notes.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Obtain an EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll via the Ohio Medicaid Provider Enrollment system or through ODA’s Aging Network (for PASSPORT providers).
Maintain general liability and food handling liability insurance.
Develop food safety policies and procedures for meal preparation and transport.
Ensure compliance with local health department inspections and permits for food service.
Ensure staff complete background checks, food safety training, and any required certifications (e.g., ServSafe®).

4. OHIO PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Application:

Apply to ODM or ODA depending on the target waiver population (e.g., DODD, PASSPORT, or Home Care Waiver).

Documentation Submission:

Provide incorporation documents, insurance, menus, food handling certifications, and staff credentials.

Readiness Review:

Health and safety compliance may be inspected; operations and dietary procedures evaluated.

Approval & Medicaid Billing:

Once approved, providers are issued a Medicaid number and authorized to bill for meal and nutrition services.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI registration
Proof of general and food service liability insurance
Meal and Nutrition Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Meal prep, storage, and delivery protocols
- Dietary planning and special needs accommodation
- Food safety and sanitation procedures
- Staff credentials, background checks, and training logs
- Documentation and billing records
- Participant rights, grievance handling, and HIPAA compliance
- Emergency food delivery and backup procedures
- Quality assurance and service monitoring standards