This article explains how your Foodsmart nutrition program works as a Kaiser Permanente member, including how authorization periods are structured and what food delivery is included with your referral.
Quick Answer
If you received a referral from Kaiser Permanente, you are pre-approved for both Registered Dietitian (RD) appointments and food delivery through Foodsmart.
How Your Authorization Periods Work
Your visits are grouped into authorization periods. Each period includes a set number of appointments:
- 11st Authorization · 1 initial visit (60 min) + 1 follow-up visit (30 min)
- 22nd Authorization · 3 follow-up visits (30 min each)
- 33rd Authorization · 3 follow-up visits (30 min each)
After each period, Kaiser Permanente reviews your risk assessment to determine if continued care is approved. Your RD submits this assessment on your behalf.
Important: Benefits do not reset each year
Your Foodsmart benefits do not automatically renew at the start of a new calendar year. If you develop a new qualifying health condition, Kaiser Permanente may issue a new referral with a fresh 12-week authorization window.
Who Qualifies for This Program?
Kaiser Permanente members that meet eligibility requirements are eligible to participate in this program to improve covered conditions.
- Recently discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility
- At high risk of hospitalization or nursing facility placement
- Malnutrition or uncontrolled diabetes (A1C > 9)
- Cardiovascular disorder, congestive heart failure, or stroke
- Renal failure, chronic lung disorders (COPD, emphysema, cystic fibrosis)
- HIV, cancer undergoing active chemotherapy or radiation
- Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced hypertension
- High-risk perinatal conditions or disabling mental/behavioral health disorder
Food Delivery Is Included
All Kaiser Permanente referrals include food delivery — you do not need to request it separately. See the article Your Food Delivery Benefits with Kaiser Permanente for details on timelines and meal types.
Need More Help?
If your question was not answered by this article, Foodsmart Member Support is available to help.
Phone: (530) 627-5322