Can you buy groceries with your Healthy Benefits card?
Yes, you can use a Healthy Benefits card for groceries, but with several key limitations. The program is designed to promote healthier eating, so it only covers specific, approved food items and is restricted to a network of participating retailers. The exact items you can buy and the stores that accept the card depend on your specific health plan, as benefit programs can vary significantly. It is crucial to verify your plan's details to understand your specific benefits and restrictions before shopping.
What can you buy with a Healthy Benefits card?
Eligible grocery items typically align with nutritional guidelines and include a wide variety of healthy foods. The exact list can differ by plan, but common examples include:
- Produce: Fresh, canned, and frozen fruits and vegetables.
- Dairy: Milk, eggs, cheese, and yogurt.
- Proteins: Lean meat, poultry, fish, and seafood.
- Grains: Whole-grain breads, cereals, and pastas.
- Pantry Staples: Beans, legumes, flour, and some spices.
- Beverages: Nutritional shakes (like Boost or Ensure), water, and vitamin-enhanced water.
Items that are generally ineligible include alcohol, tobacco, candy, and other unhealthy snacks. Some programs may also exclude non-food items, while others might cover a broader range of products.
How to use your Healthy Benefits card for groceries
Using your card for groceries is a straightforward process, but it requires a bit of preparation. The general steps are as follows:
- Check your balance and eligibility: Log in to your Healthy Benefits+ account online or use the mobile app to check your current balance and review the specific grocery items your plan covers.
- Find a participating store: Use the online store finder tool on the Healthy Benefits+ website or app to locate a participating grocery retailer near you, such as Safeway, Walmart, or other regional chains.
- Shop for eligible items: As you shop, consult your plan's approved list. Some plans offer a barcode scanner within the mobile app to check item eligibility on the spot.
- Checkout: At checkout, swipe your Healthy Benefits card like a regular debit or credit card. If you have a barcode, the cashier will scan it like a coupon. The system will automatically apply your benefits to the eligible items.
- Pay for non-eligible items: If your purchase includes non-eligible items, you will need a separate form of payment to cover the remaining balance.
Can you buy groceries online with your Healthy Benefits card?
Some health plans allow you to use your Healthy Benefits card for online grocery purchases at select retailers, but this is not universally available. For instance, certain plans have allowed online purchases through platforms like Walmart.com in the past. The availability of online ordering, particularly for perishable items, can be limited by the program. You should always check your specific plan's details on the Healthy Benefits+ website or mobile app to confirm if online ordering is an option for you.
Comparison of Healthy Benefits Card Usage
To illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of how the Healthy Benefits card may function across different types of purchases.
| Feature | Grocery Purchase | Over-the-Counter (OTC) Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Items | Fresh produce, lean meats, whole grains, dairy | Vitamins, cold medicine, first-aid, pain relief |
| Participating Retailers | Grocery stores (Walmart, Safeway), supermarkets | Drug stores (CVS), online retailers, certain grocers |
| How to Pay | Swipe card or scan app barcode at checkout | Swipe card or use online checkout code |
| Additional Payment | Required for ineligible items | Not needed if purchase is covered by OTC allowance |
| Expiration of Funds | Varies by plan (quarterly, annually) | Varies by plan, must check cardholder agreement |
Conclusion
In conclusion, using your Healthy Benefits card for groceries is a valuable benefit offered by many health plans. It allows you to purchase a wide array of healthy food items at participating retailers, both in-store and, in some cases, online. The key to maximizing this benefit is to understand your specific plan's covered items, find local participating stores, and track your balance. Always remember that the card is designed to cover specific items, and you will need an alternative payment method for any ineligible products. By following these guidelines, you can successfully leverage your Healthy Benefits card to support a healthier lifestyle.
Check your benefits before you shop
Before heading to the store, it's a good practice to log in to your account at HealthyBenefitsPlus.com to confirm your exact grocery allowance, view eligible items, and locate nearby participating retailers. This proactive step can prevent any surprises at the checkout counter and help you make the most of your benefits.
