How Health Insurers Are Guiding Members through SNAP Benefit Changes

Recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in late 2025 mean that millions of Americans may be struggling to afford healthy food and maintain adequate nutrition, which can impact their health. Though the primary goal of health plans is to provide coverage for members, insurers are increasingly expanding their role to become a holistic partner in their members’ healthcare journey. This includes recognizing that member wellbeing extends beyond medical care to encompass fundamental needs like nutrition and food access.

As one of the largest health insurers in the nation, Anthem BCBS features a prominent alert at the top of its public site homepage, linking to its Help for Those Losing SNAP Benefits Due to the Government Shutdown blog. The firm connects users to numerous free, local food sources like Feeding America Foodbanks or Meals on Wheels. In addition to external resources, Anthem BCBS provides direct support through its own services. For example, the firm encourages users to find community resources on its mobile app, offering navigational directions to quickly reach the Community Resources screen. Through Anthem BCBS’s rewards program, eligible members can receive meals and gift cards for completing health and wellness actions. And beyond practical resources, the firm acknowledges that SNAP benefit changes can take a toll on members’ mental health, mentioning that many of its plans include counseling and support for those feeling stressed or anxious due to food insecurity.

SCAN Health Plan, which serves over 310,000 Medicare members mainly on the West Coast, similarly utilizes a bright green alert to draw user attention to available food resources. Its public site houses an extensive Need Help Getting Food? We’re Here for You page that begins by promoting resources from the firm—eligible members have over-the-counter (OTC) allowances that cover shelf-stable food as well as grocery benefits. A large Facebook post related to food resources drives traffic to the insurer’s Facebook profile, a likely strategic move given that Facebook remains the dominant social media choice for older adults. The page concludes with several nation-wide resources, followed by state- or county-specific resources that SCAN Health Plan compiled, saving members the hassle of finding local resources themselves.

Corporate Insight will continue to monitor how health insurers react to evolving policies impacting member wellbeing and support. For more insights into digital innovation in the healthcare space, check out our subscription research services in four areas: Health Plan, Medicare, Pharmacy and Health System. And don’t forget to check out our Insights section for more industry trends and best practices in the healthcare space.