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Can I Use My Humana Healthy Food Card at Kroger?

Written By: Nathan Justice
Reviewed By: William Rivers
Published: October 5, 2023
Last updated: September 30, 2024

For many individuals enrolled in health insurance plans, receiving additional benefits such as the Humana Healthy Food Card can significantly aid in maintaining a balanced diet by subsidizing costs for nutritional foods. The card is specifically designed to promote healthier eating habits among its members.

If you’re a Humana Healthy Food cardholder, you might be wondering: Can I use my Humana Healthy Food card at Kroger? In this article, we will explore the possibilities and limitations of using your Humana card at Kroger and other participating stores. Before we dive in, let’s take a closer look at how exactly the Humana Healthy Food card works.

What is the Humana Healthy Food Card?

The Humana Healthy Food Card is a benefit offered by Humana, one of the leading health and well-being companies in the U.S. This card provides members with a monthly stipend to assist them in purchasing healthy foods. It is an initiative aimed at encouraging healthier eating habits among members, thereby potentially leading to better overall health outcomes. If you're also enrolled in Aetna's similar program and want a convenient way to manage your benefits, you can explore the Aetna Food Card App, which offers user-friendly tools and resources for program participants.

The primary purpose of the card is to offer financial help to Humana members, allowing them to buy nutritious food items without being burdened by the entire cost. The benefit amount is typically added to the card on a monthly basis, and the unused amount might not roll over to the next month (though specifics can vary based on the plan).

The Healthy Options allowance is a flexible benefit, and its amount can differ based on both the specific plan you're enrolled in and your geographical location. On a monthly basis, members could receive an allowance that ranges from as low as $35 to as much as $275, or about $420 to $3,300 annually.

Does Kroger Accept Humana Healthy Food Card?

If you’re wondering, “Can I use my Humana Healthy Food card at Kroger?” you're in luck! If you have a Humana Healthy Food Card, you can use it at Kroger. Kroger is not only one of the leading grocery chains in the U.S., but it's also a participating retailer under the Humana Spending Account Card program.

Whenever you are, if you walk into a Kroger store, you can utilize your Humana Healthy Food Card to buy eligible grocery items. It's a convenient collaboration that makes it easier for Humana members to access and prioritize healthier food choices across the nation.

How to Use Your Humana Food Card at Kroger

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the Humana Healthy Food Card at Kroger:

  1. Activation of Your Card (If Needed): Before using your Humana Healthy Food Card, ensure it has been activated. Usually, this can be done by calling a number provided on the card or following the instructions that came with it.

  2. Prepare Your Shopping List: It's beneficial to make a list of healthy food items you plan to purchase. This ensures you stay on track and make the most of your card's benefits.

  3. Visit Your Local Kroger Store: Head to the nearest Kroger outlet. If you're unfamiliar with the location, you can easily find it using Kroger’s store locator on their website.

  4. Choose Eligible Products: While shopping, ensure you select items that are eligible for purchase with the Humana Healthy Food Card. You might want to refer to Humana’s list of approved items or look for specific labels or signage in the store that might indicate eligible products.

  5. Checkout Process: Once you're done shopping, proceed to the checkout counter. Present your Humana Healthy Food Card to the cashier just like you would with a regular debit or credit card. If the card covers the full amount, you're all set. If not, you'll need to pay the difference with another payment method.

  6. Save Your Receipt: Always keep your receipts. This helps in tracking your expenditures and ensures you have proof of purchase in case any discrepancies arise.

  7. Track Your Balance: After making your purchase, it's a good idea to check the remaining balance on your card. This can often be done online, by calling the number on the back of the card, or sometimes even on the bottom of your receipt.

If you face any issues or have questions regarding the use of your card, you can reach out to Humana's customer service or seek assistance from Kroger's customer service desk. Make sure to check the list of the eligible items you can buy with your card.

Eligible Items to Buy With Humana Healthy Food Card

The Humana Healthy Food Card is designed to encourage healthier eating habits among Humana members by offering financial support for the purchase of nutritious foods. However, the specific items that are eligible for purchase with the card can vary based on the program's guidelines and any changes Humana might make over time.

  • Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables without added sugars or fats

  • Whole Grains: Products such as whole grain bread, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and whole grain cereals

  • Lean Proteins: Items like lean cuts of meat, poultry, fish, tofu, beans, and legumes

  • Dairy or Dairy Alternatives: Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese, or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk

  • Healthy Fats: Olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados

  • Other Nutritious Items: Nut butter, eggs, and certain other nutritious foods might also be included

Restricted Items

There are certain items or categories of items that are typically restricted from purchase using the card. These restrictions ensure that the card is used primarily for nutritious foods and not for items that don't align with the objective of promoting good health.

While the exact list of restricted items can vary based on the terms set by Humana and may change over time, some common restrictions might include:

  • Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, liquors, and other alcoholic drinks are usually not eligible for purchase

  • Sugary Beverages: Sodas, sugary juices, energy drinks, and other high-sugar beverages may be restricted

  • Sweets and Confections: Candies, chocolates, and other high-sugar treats are typically not allowed

  • Processed Junk Foods: Foods high in trans fats, added sugars, and sodium, like certain chips, frozen treats, and pre-packaged snacks, might be excluded

  • Pet Food: Your card cannot be used to buy pet food or any other supplements

  • Ready-to-Eat Hot Foods: Some cards restrict the purchase of hot, prepared foods from in-store delis or similar sections

  • Tobacco and Vaping Products: For the sake of promoting good health, all tobacco products, be they cigars, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, or related items, are restricted. This also extends to vaping products, including e-cigarettes and their associated liquids

  • Home and Personal Care: The card is mainly intended for nutritional food items, so household products, cleaning agents, or personal hygiene items, such as soaps, shampoos, and detergents, aren't eligible for purchase with the Humana card

  • Over-the-counter Health Products: While they might be health-related, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, and other non-prescription health products can't be bought using the Humana card

  • Gaming and Lottery Tickets: Any forms of gambling or games of chance, such as lottery tickets, scratch-off cards, or other related gaming items, are also among the restricted items

Other Participating Stores and Retailers That Accept Humana Card

Apart from Kroger, there's a broad spectrum of other prominent stores and retailers where you can confidently utilize your Humana Spending Account Card. Some of these well-recognized participating stores include:

  • Albertsons

  • CVS

  • Dollar General

  • Family Dollar

  • Walgreens

  • Walmart

For those who prefer the convenience of online shopping, you're not left out! The Humana Spending Account Card can also be used to buy eligible products from a slew of online retailers. Some notable e-commerce platforms include:

  • Amazon

  • Walmart.com

  • Target.com

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use my Humana Healthy Food card at Kroger?

Certainly! If you possess a Humana Healthy Food Card, it's accepted at Kroger. Not only is Kroger a premier grocery chain in the U.S., but it's also affiliated with the Humana Spending Account Card program.

2. Where can I use my Humana Healthy Food Card?

You can use your Humana Healthy Food Card at a variety of participating retailers, including major grocery store chains like Kroger, Walmart, and CVS. Additionally, some online platforms, such as Amazon and Walmart.com, may also accept the card for eligible purchases. 

3. What items can I buy with the Humana Healthy Food Card?

The card is designed to promote the purchase of healthy food items. This typically includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy. However, there are restrictions; for instance, you cannot buy items like alcohol, tobacco, pet food, or non-food products.

4. How do I check the balance on my Humana Healthy Food Card?

You can typically check your card's balance by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, visiting the Healthy Benefits Plus website, or through the mobile app. Some retailers may also provide the remaining balance on the bottom of the receipt after making a purchase.

5. What happens if my purchase exceeds the balance on my card?

If your total bill surpasses the available balance on your Humana Healthy Food Card, you will need to cover the difference using another payment method. Inform the cashier beforehand if you'd like to split the payment between your Humana card and another form of payment.

Apply For a Humana Healthy Food Card Today

The Humana Healthy Food Card offers a seamless shopping experience at prominent stores like Kroger, ensuring you have access to healthier food choices. As one of the leading health initiatives in the U.S., this card is more than just a payment method; it's a gateway to better nutrition and wellness.

Unlock even more savings on your next Kroger visit! Dive into our latest blog post to discover the step-by-step guide on securing senior discounts with your Kroger Plus Card, ensuring your groceries are not only healthy but also budget-friendly!

If you haven't taken advantage of this unique opportunity yet, why wait? Apply for your Humana card today and make the step towards a healthier lifestyle!

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Nathan Justice manages community outreach programs and forums that help many senior citizens. He completed a counseling program at the University of Maryland’s Department of Psychology.
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