USA – Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, is rolling out a new program aimed at providing support for patients after they are discharged from the hospital. 

The grocer is partnering with Mount Sinai Solutions, a division of Mount Sinai Health System serving employers and unions, to implement the program.

According to a statement from Instacart, the program provides Instacart Health Fresh Funds grocery stipends as a benefit for post-operative and post-partum patients insured by a health plan sponsored by a Mount Sinai Solutions employer or union customer.

Through the new partnership, patients within the Mount Sinai Solutions network will receive US$110 in Fresh Funds for the episode of care to pay for the delivery of fresh groceries following specialized care and surgery.

Patients will also benefit from a tailored Mount Sinai Virtual Storefront, allowing for easy shopping and delivery of provider-recommended goods from local, regional, and national retailers via Instacart.

“Using Instacart Health tools, the program supports each patient’s recovery with actionable recommendations from Mount Sinai experts,” Instacart said.

For one to qualify for the benefit, he ought to have received hospital care at Mount Sinai facilities in New York City or at one of its extended partners in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Instacart notes that the  new program is designed to alleviate challenges to accessing fresh groceries, pantry staples and household essentials following a major life event, such as a joint replacement, birth, or bariatric surgery.

 “Through Instacart Health, we’re using our reach and technology to create impactful access programs with leading providers and health plans that help solve real patient challenges,” said Sarah Mastrorocco, Vice President and General Manager of Instacart Health.

Working in direct partnership with employers and unions, Mount Sinai Solutions offers access to care and services that enhance the patient experience through a seamless and simplified health benefits ecosystem.

“We are pleased to partner with Instacart to offer a robust grocery delivery solution that provides nourishing foods and essentials needed for a smooth recovery after hospital discharge,” says Lauren Lisher, Senior Vice President of Specialty Care and Partnerships at Mount Sinai Solutions.

Instacart Health leverages the power of Instacart’s platform, products, and partnerships to expand access to nutritious food, inspire sustainable healthy choices, and scale food as medicine programs across the country.

The online grocer says that partners can use the Instacart Health suite of digital provider tools to scale food prescription programs, enhance collaborative care and offer actionable medically tailored nutrition advice to patients.