As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, many individuals are looking for ways to save money on their medical expenses. One option that has gained popularity in recent years is the Healthy Benefits Plus card. This card, offered by many Medicare Advantage plans, allows individuals to purchase certain health-related items and services at participating stores using their plan’s allocated funds. But what stores can you use your Healthy Benefits Plus card at? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide valuable insights for those looking to make the most of their benefits.
Contents
Understanding the Healthy Benefits Plus Card
Before we dive into the specific stores where you can use your Healthy Benefits Plus card, let’s first understand what this card is and how it works. The Healthy Benefits Plus card is a prepaid card that is loaded with a certain amount of funds each month by your Medicare Advantage plan. These funds can then be used to purchase eligible health-related items and services at participating stores.
The items and services that can be purchased with the Healthy Benefits Plus card vary depending on your specific plan. However, some common items that are typically covered include over-the-counter medications, first aid supplies, vitamins and supplements, and personal care items. Some plans also cover services such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and fitness memberships.
Read:Are retirement benefits taxable?It’s important to note that the Healthy Benefits Plus card is not a replacement for your Medicare or Medicaid coverage. It is simply an additional benefit that is offered by some Medicare Advantage plans to help individuals save money on their healthcare expenses.
Participating Stores
Now that we have a better understanding of what the Healthy Benefits Plus card is, let’s take a look at the stores where you can use it. The specific stores that accept the Healthy Benefits Plus card will vary depending on your plan and location. However, there are some common retailers that accept the card, including:
- Walmart – Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the United States and is known for its low prices. Many Medicare Advantage plans have partnered with Walmart to allow individuals to use their Healthy Benefits Plus card to purchase eligible items at their stores. This includes both in-store and online purchases.
- CVS – CVS is another popular retailer that accepts the Healthy Benefits Plus card. With over 9,900 locations across the country, CVS is a convenient option for many individuals looking to use their benefits. In addition to over-the-counter medications and personal care items, some CVS locations also offer services such as flu shots and blood pressure screenings.
- Walgreens – Walgreens is another major pharmacy chain that accepts the Healthy Benefits Plus card. With over 9,000 locations nationwide, Walgreens is a convenient option for many individuals. In addition to over-the-counter medications and personal care items, some Walgreens locations also offer services such as immunizations and health screenings.
- Dollar General – Dollar General is a discount retailer that offers a variety of household and personal care items at affordable prices. Many Medicare Advantage plans have partnered with Dollar General to allow individuals to use their Healthy Benefits Plus card to purchase eligible items at their stores.
- Family Dollar – Family Dollar is another discount retailer that accepts the Healthy Benefits Plus card. With over 8,000 locations across the country, Family Dollar is a convenient option for many individuals. In addition to household and personal care items, some Family Dollar locations also offer basic healthcare items such as bandages and pain relievers.
In addition to these major retailers, there are also many local and regional stores that accept the Healthy Benefits Plus card. It’s important to check with your specific plan to see which stores in your area participate in the program.
Read:Are all veterans eligible for va benefits?Maximizing Your Benefits
Now that you know where you can use your Healthy Benefits Plus card, let’s discuss some tips for maximizing your benefits and getting the most out of this program.
- Know what’s covered – As mentioned earlier, the items and services that are covered by the Healthy Benefits Plus card will vary depending on your specific plan. It’s important to familiarize yourself with what is covered so you can make the most of your benefits.
- Plan your purchases – The funds on your Healthy Benefits Plus card do not roll over from month to month, so it’s important to plan your purchases accordingly. Make a list of the items you need and try to use your benefits before they expire.
- Take advantage of sales and discounts – Many of the stores that accept the Healthy Benefits Plus card also offer sales and discounts on eligible items. Keep an eye out for these deals to stretch your benefits even further.
- Use online shopping – Some retailers, such as Walmart, allow you to use your Healthy Benefits Plus card for online purchases. This can be a convenient option, especially for those who may have difficulty getting to a physical store.
- Keep track of your balance – It’s important to keep track of your Healthy Benefits Plus card balance to ensure you don’t overspend. You can check your balance online or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
Case Study: Walmart and Healthy Benefits Plus
One of the largest retailers that accept the Healthy Benefits Plus card is Walmart. Let’s take a look at a case study to see how this partnership has benefited both Walmart and Medicare Advantage plan members.
Read:what benefits does a child get if a parent diesIn 2019, Walmart announced a partnership with Healthy Benefits Plus to allow individuals to use their benefits to purchase eligible items at their stores. This partnership not only increased foot traffic to Walmart stores, but it also provided a convenient and affordable option for Medicare Advantage plan members to purchase health-related items.
According to a study conducted by Walmart, the average Medicare Advantage plan member saved $1,200 per year by using their Healthy Benefits Plus card at Walmart. This not only helped individuals save money on their healthcare expenses, but it also helped Walmart increase sales and customer loyalty.
Conclusion:
The Healthy Benefits Plus card is a valuable benefit offered by many Medicare Advantage plans to help individuals save money on their healthcare expenses. By understanding what stores accept this card and how to maximize your benefits, you can make the most of this program and save money on essential health-related items and services. Whether you prefer to shop at major retailers like Walmart and CVS or local stores in your area, there are many options available for using your Healthy Benefits Plus card. So be sure to check with your plan and start taking advantage of this valuable benefit today.
