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Who Qualifies For Humana Healthy Food Card

Written By: Nathan Justice
Reviewed By: William Rivers
Published: December 28, 2023
Last updated: January 3, 2024
KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Humana Healthy Food Card extends beyond financial aid, promoting accessible nutrition for diverse member needs.[1]

Humana currently provides medical coverage to more than 20 million people, including 5.1 million Medicare Advantage members.[2]

Healthy Options Allowance aims to provide financial assistance to Humana members, enabling them to purchase healthy food items while maintaining a reduced sense of financial strain.[3]

The Healthy Options Allowance, formerly known as the Humana Healthy Food card, is more than just a financial tool – it's a commitment to the health and well-being of Humana members, especially those dealing with chronic conditions. 

Humana launched the Healthy Food card, now known as Humana Medicare Advantage Healthy Options Allowance, designed to make nutritious food more accessible and affordable for its members. This initiative also extends to cover some essential items like pet food under a specified monthly allowance based on the current balance available on the wallet card.

Humana Healthy Food Card

This initiative aims to improve the health of beneficiaries while ensuring they have access to essential grocery items, household supplies, and pet supplies. Before we get into the specifics of who qualifies for Humana Healthy Food card, let's take a step back and understand what it is and why it exists.

Humana Healthy Food Card: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Created by Humana Inc., a leading health insurance provider in the United States, the card plays a significant role in promoting healthy eating habits among its beneficiaries. Humana currently provides medical coverage to more than 20 million people, including 5.1 million Medicare Advantage members[2], under various plans, including the Humana Medicare plan, which also aims to alleviate medical costs and provide rent assistance for those facing food insecurity.

Healthy Options Allowance aims to provide financial assistance to Humana members[3], enabling them to purchase healthy food items while maintaining a reduced sense of financial strain. The cash benefit provided through the card varies, and allowance amounts are designed to ensure beneficiaries can afford healthy groceries.

The card balance on the prepaid card, which can also be viewed as a discount card or a card for seniors, is easy to manage. The card is accepted at numerous participating grocery stores such as Kroger and pharmacies, and it encourages beneficiaries to make better dietary choices by enabling them to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and other healthy food options without worrying about the cost.

Fast Facts

Available across various Humana plans, the card caters to members with different health conditions and dietary requirements.

Understanding Various Humana Plan Types and Allowances

Humana offers a range of Medicare Advantage plans, each with unique benefits, including the Healthy Food Card. Key plans include:

  • Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (DSNPs): Tailored for individuals qualifying for both Medicaid and Medicare. These plans often include higher allowances, recognizing the additional needs of this group.
  • Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (CSNPs): Designed for members with specific chronic conditions, offering allowances that support dietary needs linked to health management.
  • Standard Medicare Advantage Plans: Some of these plans may offer the Healthy Food Card with varying allowance amounts, typically ranging from $35 to $275 monthly.

It's essential to review your specific plan details or consult with a Humana representative to understand the exact benefits and allowances applicable to your situation.

Who Can Apply For a Humana Healthy Food Card?

With that said, who qualifies for Humana Healthy Food card? Eligibility for the Humana Healthy Food Card is determined by several factors, including age, health status, and the type of Humana plan a member is enrolled in.

Age Criteria

The Humana Healthy Food card does not discriminate based on age. It is a convenient card available to all Humana members with an eligible plan, regardless of their age. This is in line with Humana's understanding that healthy eating is essential at every stage of life.

Health Criteria

Certain Humana plans that cater to individuals with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, often include the Healthy Food card as a benefit. This is because of the strong link between diet and the management of these conditions. Therefore, if you're enrolled in one of these plans, you may be eligible for the card. Eligible items that can be bought with the card include a wide range of wellness items to ensure an adequate food supply.

Financial Criteria

While the Healthy Food card is not income-based, it is a benefit of certain Humana plans, like the Healthy Benefits+ plan. Therefore, the cost and type of your Humana health insurance plan can determine your eligibility for the card. Item eligibility is a crucial aspect to understand, and if you have questions about item eligibility, it's best to reach out to Humana directly for clarification.

Fast Facts

The Humana card empowers members to make healthier dietary choices, supporting overall well-being and lifestyle improvement.

How to Apply for a Humana Healthy Food Card

Applying for a Humana Healthy Food card is a straightforward process. You can apply online or in person, depending on what suits your needs best.

Online Application

Humana members can log into their accounts on the Humana website and check their plan details. If your plan includes the Healthy Food card benefit, or if you are part of the healthy rewards program, you can activate your card right from the online portal.

In-Person Application

If you prefer a more personal approach, you can visit a Humana customer service center. A customer service representative will help you determine whether your plan includes the Healthy Food card and guide you through the process of activating it. You can also engage with a Humana agent directly for this purpose.

Benefits of Humana Healthy Food Card

The benefits of the Humana Healthy Food card extend far beyond the financial. It offers nutritional, financial, and health benefits that can significantly enhance the quality of life for its beneficiaries.

Nutritional Advantages

The primary benefit of the card is that it promotes healthier eating habits. It allows beneficiaries to afford nutrient-dense food items, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. These foods are essential for maintaining good health, managing eligible healthcare expenses, and preventing chronic diseases.

Eligible Items for Purchase with the Humana Healthy Foods Card

The Humana Healthy Foods Card is designed to promote healthier eating habits by allowing purchases of a wide range of nutritious items. Eligible items include:

  • Fresh Produce: Fruits and vegetables are essential for a balanced diet.
  • Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy items.
  • Meat and Poultry: Various cuts of meat and poultry offering essential proteins.
  • Seafood: Fish and shellfish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Whole Grains: Bread, cereals, pasta, and rice made from whole grains.
  • Healthy Snacks: Nuts, seeds, and healthy snack bars.
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Juices, water, and non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Frozen Foods: Frozen fruits, vegetables, and healthy prepared meals.
  • Special Dietary Foods: Items catering to specific dietary needs, like gluten-free or low-sugar options.

This card encourages beneficiaries to make healthier food choices, supporting overall well-being. It's important to check the latest guidelines from Humana, as eligible items may vary based on plan specifics.

Financial Advantages

Another major advantage of the Humana Healthy Food card is the financial relief it provides. By offsetting the cost of healthy food purchases, it makes nutritious food more accessible and affordable. This is particularly valuable for seniors with a monthly grocery allowance. The grocery benefit extends to a wide variety of eligible groceries, and with this card, you may find financial ease in managing your health spending accounts or health savings account.

Health Advantages

Beyond nutritional and financial benefits, the Humana Healthy Food card also provides health advantages. It can contribute to the management of chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes by promoting a healthier diet. Additionally, by fostering healthier lifestyles, the card can also aid in preventing such diseases in the first place.

Psychological Advantages

There's also a psychological advantage to consider. With the card, beneficiaries may feel empowered and motivated to make healthier food choices, which can lead to an improved self-image and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I purchase with my Humana Healthy Food Card?

The card can be used to purchase a range of healthy food items, including but not limited to fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It also covers health products and poultry products and can be used at a wide range of grocery stores across national chains, ensuring you have a variety of options to choose from.

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

The card can be used at a wide network of participating grocery stores and pharmacies. You can find a list of participating stores on the Humana website. Your plan choice, whether a regular health plan or a special program, will dictate the specifics of where and how you can use the card.

3. How do I activate my Humana Healthy Food Card?

You can activate your card by logging into your Humana account online or by visiting a Humana customer service center. Assistance is also available through Humana agents, who can guide you through the card allowance process and explain the control services available to manage your card effectively.

4. Does the Humana Healthy Food Card expire?

As long as you continue to be an eligible Humana member, your card will not expire. However, the benefits may reset each benefit period, and it's important to keep track of your allowance cards, whether it's a grocery card, savings card, or any other form of credit card and debit card you may have.

5. Can I use the Humana Healthy Food Card for non-food items?

The card is designed specifically for the purchase of eligible healthy food items. It cannot be used for non-food items.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, the Humana Healthy Food card is a progressive initiative that recognizes the importance of diet in health outcomes. By knowing who qualifies for the Humana Healthy Food Card, you can get healthier food options without breaking the bank.

For more practical tips in maximizing your Humana Flex Card, head over to Senior Strong today

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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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