Since 2006, more than 81,000 Humana Medicare Advantage members have taken part in the company's Well Dine program, in which nutritious meals are delivered to members' homes following discharge from a medical facility. Recently, Well Dine delivered its one millionth meal to Humana member Sylvia van Dyke of Knoxville, Tenn.
Studies have shown Medicare beneficiaries are at increased risk of readmission to a hospital or nursing home during their first few days following discharge. One contributing factor is poor nutrition and a failure to take prescribed medicines, both of which the program aims to prevent. According to Humana's own data, Well Dine participants experience fewer hospital readmissions and emergency-room visits, and when they are readmitted, experience shorter stays.
