Frequently Asked Questions: Using Medicaid
Dear Friends,
We are pleased and honored that you have chosen Homestyle Direct as your Medicaid home delivered meal provider. We would like to take a few minutes to explain how our program and services work by answering some of the most frequently asked questions.
What do the meals cost?
If you are a Medicaid recipient and are eligible or are currently on the waiver programs through Medicaid there is no charge to you for our meals upon Medicaid approval. We take care of all the billing directly to Medicaid for you. If you are unsure about your qualifications through Medicaid you will need to contact your local Medicaid office or phone us and we can direct you further. All of the items on the menu, dinners, breakfasts, other goodies are priced the same.
Can I purchase more meals if I use all my Medicaid meals?
You can always purchase additional meals at any time. We will charge you the same amount that we are reimbursed by Medicaid for your meals, additional shipping and handling fees will apply.
Is there a minimum order and how many meals do I get?
If you are a Medicaid client the number of meals is determined by your Medicaid nurse reviewer at the time of your annual eligibility review. You may be eligible for one or two meals a day, again depending on your needs. If questions arise about the quantity of meals your are to receive please call or contact the local Medicaid office.
What do the meals include?
All of the meals are self-contained and are designed for one person. The dinners will include a serving of assorted vegetables, a serving of assorted starch along with the main entree. The breakfast entrees are also self-contained, most may include a serving of starch and a breakfast protein (meat) some may also include fruit. If you are on Medicaid you are also able to receive a portion of Medicaid fruit and powdered milk with each order. If you are interested in receiving these additional items you must let us know with each order, we will not send them unless you request them to avoid waste. All of these items provide 1/3 of the daily recommendations. The extras or other goodies, and soups can also be ordered. These items do not meet the 1/3 recommendations requested by Medicaid, but are available for you to enjoy. The soups (which are seasonal items) are 16 ounces. Most of the desserts are two to four servings and are limited to five selections per order.
How and when do I place my order?
Along with this letter you will receive an ordering tablet and pen. For local deliveries, delivered by our Homestyle Direct delivery drivers the best way to order is to fill the ordering pad out with our next requested order and give it to your delivery person at each delivery. This will eliminate the need for you to call in and it gives us at least 2 weeks to prepare for your specific order. For out of the area or our shipping clients you are always welcome to call an order in using our toll free number 1-866-735-0921 extension 2 , orders can be received by faxed at 1-208-423-4615, mailed to PO Box 159, Kimberly Idaho 83341, or visit us at on the web at www.homestyledirect.com, but please remember that we need at least 2 weeks ahead of your scheduled delivery to assure that you get what you want. If for some reason you are unable to speak to anyone please leave your order on the answering machine If any questions arise we will call you back. If you forget or fail to call an order in we automatically send a variety package to you each month, if you do not want an order it is your responsibility to let us know at least 2 weeks prior to your delivery schedule. Again please remember, even with this ordering system you may not always get what you order, substitutions may be made without prior notice.
What if I do not get what I ordered?
We strive to make sure that you get what has been ordered, with the understanding that the order has been phoned in or received into our office at least 2 weeks prior to your scheduled delivery. You must also be aware at times circumstances arise that we may have to substitute items ordered. Our policy is to try and substitute an item that we are out of by an item that has already been ordered. It would be helpful if you provide a list of substituted items at the time of placing your order. Again please remember, even with this ordering system you may not always get what you order, substitutions may be made without prior notice.
When will I get delivery?
All areas are delivered on a monthly basis (all the meals that you are approved for will be delivered at one time) again depending on your area. If you cannot accommodate all your meals in one delivery or shipment we will put you on a bi-monthly delivery schedule. Bi-monthly is defined by us as the 2nd and 4th weeks or the 1st and 3rd weeks not every other week. Please remember that Medicaid does not reimburse us for any delivery or shipping costs, that is an expense that we as a company absorb. If at all possible it is very helpful for us if you can receive all your meals in one shipment or delivery. Several times in the year there are months with 5 weeks, we do not do any deliveries during this 5th week. All allotted Medicaid units will be delivered before this 5th week. Local deliveries are done Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays depending on your delivery area. With such a busy delivery schedule it is very important you plan to be home during your delivery day. A calendar of your scheduled deliveries will be included in your first delivery or shipment for the entire year, it is important to keep this calendar and refer to your delivery dates.
What if I will be gone for an extended period of time?
If you leave the area for any reason or are hospitalized for any amount of time it is crucial that you let our office know as soon as possible. If for some reason we deliver to you and you are gone, hospitalized or lose your Medicaid eligibility it will be your responsibility to pay for the meals we have delivered at your own expense.
What if I am not home to get my meals?
With our already hectic delivery schedule it is your responsibility to make arrangements to receive your meals if you can not be home. We are not able to deliver outside of your scheduled delivery or return to your home if we miss you. Please keep your delivery date and time handy so you can always plan on being home.
How will my meals arrive?
If you are in our local delivery areas you will have a Homestyle Direct delivery person deliver to you. If you are outside of that area we will ship your package to you using a private shipping company-example UPS.
Your order has been placed in a styro-foam cooler and shipped frozen and packaged with dry ice (solid carbon dioxide). Dry ice is harmful if eaten or swallowed. Dry ice is extremely cold and may cause severe frostbite if it comes in contact with bare skin. Dry ice must be handled carefully. Do no touch to skin, mouth or eyes. Do not put in drinks. Do not eat. Keep out of the reach of children.
To dispose of dry ice: After removing your food items, leave the wrapped dry ice inside the insulated cooler with the lid closed and place the cooler in a well ventilated area. Within 24 hours the dry ice will have fully evaporated.
If dry ice has melted prior to delivery don’t be alarmed: In some cases the dry ice may have fully evaporated prior to delivery. If the product is “refrigerator cold,” simply return it to the freezer.
How do I prepare the meals?
You will receive a complete reheating instruction sheet in this package of information. All the entrees are prepared fresh and fast frozen, it is really important to thaw the meals completely before warming. We recommend that you place several entrees under refrigeration, they will thaw slowly and assure that you will have several ready to warm when you need them. Thawing assures that the entrees will warm more evenly. Please remember that even with our tested warming times everyone's microwave/oven cooks differently, there may be some trial and error in order to determine the perfect warm time in your home. Please refer to the reheating instruction sheet or give us a call for any questions you may have.
Please contact us with any further questions:
Email: info@homestyledirect.com
Toll Free: 1(866)735-0921