PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING THROUGH NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

Meal and Nutrition Services in New Hampshire provide essential dietary support for individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related challenges. These services focus on delivering healthy, balanced meals, meal planning, and nutritional education to enhance well-being and support independent living. Meal and Nutrition Services are authorized under New Hampshire Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Meal and Nutrition Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement

Agency: Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS)
Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Meal and Nutrition Services under HCBS waiver programs

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Meal and Nutrition Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards

2. MEAL AND NUTRITION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Meal and Nutrition Services support individuals by providing prepared meals, dietary planning, and guidance on maintaining a healthy diet.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Meal Preparation: Cooking and delivering meals tailored to dietary needs (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium, pureed)
• Nutritional Planning: Creating meal plans that meet health and dietary requirements
• Grocery Assistance: Purchasing ingredients and delivering food supplies
• Meal Delivery: Regularly delivering prepared meals to participants’ homes
• Dietary Education: Educating individuals and caregivers on meal preparation and balanced nutrition
• Special Diet Accommodation: Adapting meals for allergies, intolerances, or medical conditions
• Cultural and Personal Preferences: Offering meal options that respect cultural practices and personal tastes

All services are provided according to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet the participant’s nutritional needs and preferences.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the New Hampshire Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Meal and Nutrition provider via the New Hampshire Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
• Obtain any necessary food handling permits from the New Hampshire Department of Health
• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance
• Develop policies for meal preparation, dietary compliance, and safety
• Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and food safety training requirements

4. NEW HAMPSHIRE PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the New Hampshire Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Meal and Nutrition Services under HCBS waivers

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, food handling permits, insurance certificates, and policy manuals

Program Readiness Review:

• DHHS and BEAS evaluate provider readiness, including food safety protocols, dietary compliance, and staff qualifications

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Meal and Nutrition Services using designated billing codes

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (New Hampshire Secretary of State)
• IRS EIN confirmation
• NPI confirmation
• Food Handling Permits (if applicable)
• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

Meal and Nutrition Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Meal planning, preparation, and delivery protocols
• Dietary compliance and special diet accommodation procedures
• Staff credentialing, background checks, and food safety training documentation
• HIPAA compliance, client rights, and grievance handling
• Documentation standards for meal tracking and Medicaid billing
• Food safety, hygiene, and infection control measures
• Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Meal and Nutrition Program Director
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or food service management, experience in dietary planning and food safety management

Role: Dietitians/Nutritionists
Requirements: State licensure as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Certified Nutritionist, experience in meal planning and dietary counseling

Role: Food Service Workers/Cooks
Requirements: Food handler certification, experience in meal preparation and dietary accommodation, background clearance

Role: Delivery Drivers
Requirements: Valid driver’s license, food handling certification, and background clearance

All staff must complete:

• Food safety training and dietary compliance education
• HIPAA compliance and client rights training
• Annual competency evaluations and continuing education
• Ongoing training in safe meal preparation and dietary planning

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Meal and Nutrition Services are available under the following New Hampshire Medicaid Waivers:

• Choices for Independence (CFI) Waiver
• Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
• Acquired Brain Disorder (ABD) Waiver
• In-Home Support (IHS) Waiver for Children
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

Services may include:

• Home-delivered meals for nutritional support
• Meal planning and dietary education
• Grocery assistance and food delivery
• Culturally appropriate and medically tailored meal options
• Nutritional monitoring and education for chronic conditions

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation
Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development
Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: New Hampshire Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Meal and Nutrition Service Launch
Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Website: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/

Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS)
Website: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/aging-and-adult-support

New Hampshire Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
Website: https://nhmmis.nh.gov/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Website: https://www.cms.gov/

​

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance
• Policy manual development for meal planning, preparation, and dietary compliance
• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and food safety management
• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management
• Branding, website development, and community outreach strategies
• Quality assurance systems for food safety and nutritional compliance
• Collaboration with dietitians and healthcare providers for dietary planning

​

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NEW HAMPSHIRE MEAL AND NUTRITION SERVICES PROVIDER

We support agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Meal and Nutrition Services in New Hampshire.

​To get started, click the link to request portal access