Social Care Network Food Benefits in NYC: What Brooklyn Medicaid Members Should Know

Brooklyn residents enrolled in New York Medicaid may qualify for food and nutrition assistance through the state’s Social Care Network (SCN) program. Depending on their needs and eligibility, services may include medically tailored meals, food prescriptions, nutrition counseling, or help accessing groceries. However, having a Medicaid card does not automatically qualify someone for every service. Eligibility depends on the person’s health-related social needs, Medicaid coverage type, qualifying criteria, and the services available in their area. Understanding how the program works can help Brooklyn residents take the right steps toward getting support.

Before You Start: How the Social Care Network Works

New York established Social Care Networks under its Medicaid Section 1115 waiver to connect eligible members with services that address health-related social needs, including access to food, housing support, and transportation.

The program operates through regional networks that coordinate screenings, referrals, and services with community organizations, healthcare providers, and Medicaid managed care plans. Members can start through the state’s screening process, their regional SCN, a healthcare provider, a care manager, their health plan, or a participating community organization. 

For Brooklyn residents, New York City’s official information lists Public Health Solutions as the SCN serving Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Members can call 888-755-5045 or visit WholeYou NYC to ask about available services and the screening process. 

Step 1: Understand What SCN Food Benefits Can Include

Social Care Network food assistance is not one universal food voucher. Depending on the person’s eligibility and assessed needs, nutrition services may include:

• Medically tailored meals: Meals designed to address specific medical or nutritional needs.

• Nutritionally appropriate meals: Meals intended to support a person’s nutrition needs.

• Food prescriptions: Assistance that helps eligible members access appropriate food.

• Fresh produce and groceries: Support with produce or pantry items for qualifying members.

• Nutrition counseling and education: Guidance about nutrition and food choices.

New York’s eligibility guidance sets different requirements for different nutrition services. The program also considers whether the member has an unmet nutrition-related need and meets applicable eligibility criteria. Not every service is available to every member, and availability may vary by region. 

Step 2: Myth: Only Seniors Can Qualify

The reality: Social Care Network services are not limited to older adults.

Eligible Medicaid members may be screened for health-related social needs regardless of age. However, additional services have specific eligibility rules. Depending on the service, qualifying groups may include people with certain chronic conditions, pregnant or postpartum individuals, or children who meet applicable criteria.

For example, some nutrition services require an assessed food-related need and low or very low food security. Certain services may also require a qualifying health condition or membership in an eligible population. Age alone does not determine eligibility. 

If you have Medicaid and struggle to access adequate food, you can ask for a screening to determine which resources may be appropriate for your situation.

Step 3: Myth: You Must Have a Particular Medicaid Plan Before You Can Ask for Help

The reality: Medicaid members can seek screening and help finding existing community resources, but eligibility for enhanced SCN services is more specific.

New York’s program distinguishes between navigation to existing resources and enhanced health-related social needs services. Medicaid members with unmet needs may be connected to existing state, federal, or local programs. Enhanced services generally require Medicaid managed care enrollment and additional eligibility criteria, including qualifying health-related social needs and population requirements. Some services have further clinical or social risk criteria. 

If you are unsure which pathway applies to you, contact your Medicaid plan or the Brooklyn SCN. A representative can explain the screening process and whether you may qualify for nutrition services.

Step 4: Myth: Applying Is Always Complicated

The reality: You can begin by asking for a screening or contacting a regional network.

New York offers a statewide screening pathway at screening.shinny.org. You can also contact the regional SCN directly, speak with a healthcare provider or care manager, contact your health plan, or ask a participating community organization for help. 

A screening helps identify unmet needs and determine what type of assistance may be appropriate. It does not necessarily mean you are approved for meals or grocery assistance. The SCN may need to complete further assessment or verify eligibility before referring you to a service.

Before submitting information through a private website, check who operates it and how your information will be used. Do not assume that every online eligibility check is an official state screening or that it guarantees enrollment.

Step 5: Myth: Every Food Benefit Is Free for Anyone With Medicaid

The reality: Services provided through the SCN program are free to members who qualify for those services, but Medicaid enrollment alone does not establish eligibility for every benefit.

The program has different requirements for different services. For enhanced nutrition support, members may need to demonstrate an unmet food-related need, meet applicable population criteria, and satisfy any additional clinical or social risk requirements. The availability of services can also differ by region. 

If you are referred for assistance, ask which service you may receive, how long it may last, and whether there are any requirements you need to meet. Do not assume that a screening result guarantees a particular number of meals, a grocery allowance, or ongoing food deliveries.

Step 6: Myth: Your Doctor Must Enroll You

The reality: A healthcare provider can help connect you with services, but there are several ways to begin.

You can contact the Brooklyn SCN, use the statewide screening pathway, speak with your health plan or care manager, or ask a participating community organization for help. A provider may also identify an unmet need and make a referral. 

If your medical condition affects your food choices, discuss appropriate nutrition with your healthcare professional. The SCN screening and referral process addresses social needs and access to services. It does not replace medical advice or individualized dietary guidance.

Step 7: Start a Social Care Network Screening in Brooklyn

If you are a Brooklyn Medicaid member experiencing food insecurity, you can take these steps:

1. Start with a screening. Visit New York’s statewide screening website or contact the regional SCN.

2. Explain your food-related needs. Be prepared to discuss the difficulties you face accessing adequate food and any relevant circumstances.

3. Ask about eligibility. Find out whether you may qualify for enhanced nutrition services or whether other community resources are available.

4. Follow the referral process. The SCN may need to assess your needs or confirm eligibility before connecting you to a service.

5. Confirm availability. Ask what services are currently offered in your area and what happens after the initial referral.

For Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, you can contact Public Health Solutions at 888-755-5045 or visit WholeYou NYC. 

Troubleshooting: What If You Are Unsure Whether You Qualify?

If you are uncertain about your eligibility, you do not need to decide on your own. Contact the regional SCN and ask how the nutrition screening and eligibility assessment work. You can also speak with your Medicaid managed care plan, care manager, healthcare provider, or a participating community organization.

If you do not qualify for enhanced SCN nutrition services, ask whether you can be connected to other food assistance programs. Depending on your circumstances, these may include existing state, federal, or local resources. SNAP and other programs have their own eligibility rules, so SCN screening does not automatically establish eligibility for them. 

Program rules and service availability can change. For official information, visit the New York State Department of Health’s Social Care Network page or the NYC 311 Social Care Network information page.

Find Food and Nutrition Support in Brooklyn

New York’s Social Care Network program can help eligible Medicaid members connect with services addressing food access and other health-related social needs. The first step is to complete a screening and learn which services may be available for your circumstances.

If you are in Brooklyn and need food-related support, contact Public Health Solutions at 888-755-5045 or visit WholeYou NYC to ask about the next steps. A screening is a starting point, not a guarantee of benefits, but it can help you identify the appropriate pathway to assistance.

This website provides general information about New York’s Social Care Network program. Unless formally authorized, it is not an official NYS Department of Health or CMS website. Verify current eligibility rules and service availability with official program representatives.

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