NationsBenefits expands retail network with Walgreens

NationsBenefits, a healthcare fintech, supplemental benefits and outcomes platform, has expanded its retail network with Walgreens.

This collaboration allows members of NationsBenefits’ health plan partners to use their Benefits Mastercard Prepaid Card at Walgreens, gaining access to eligible over-the-counter health and wellness products. Powered by NationsBenefits’ Basket Analyzer Service and Mastercard’s payment network, this integration sets a new standard for point-of-sale innovation in health care, NationsBenefits said.

“At NationsBenefits, we are continuously innovating to remove barriers to care, and this partnership with Walgreens furthers our commitment to improving member access to the health and wellness products they need,” said Michael Parker, co-CEO of NationsBenefits. “By combining the trusted convenience of Walgreens with our advanced technology infrastructure, we are bridging gaps to access and empowering health plans to better serve their members and enhance health outcomes.”

[Read more: Walgreens leaders make 10 healthcare industry predictions for 2024]

The collaboration with Walgreens leverages NationsBenefits’ BAS technology, which is a solution that enables real-time, item-level adjudication at the point of sale, ensuring that members can purchase approved products while maintaining compliance with health plan guidelines, the company noted.  

“By leveraging the Mastercard network, NationsBenefits enhances payment acceptance with unmatched speed, security and flexibility, empowering members to access their benefits effortlessly at thousands of locations nationwide. This integration exemplifies fintech innovation in health care, simplifying the payment process while giving health plans greater visibility over benefit utilization,” the company said.

NationsBenefits said this collaborative approach delivers member-centric care and drives improved outcomes. A member can use their Benefits Mastercard Prepaid Card at Walgreens to purchase eligible health essentials with BAS-enabled precision. At home, they might receive medically tailored meals from NationsMarket, designed to address specific chronic conditions. 

[Read more: Walgreens partners with colleges to advance pharmacy profession]

They may also benefit from its food as medicine solutions, which offer personalized support from registered dietitians, food prescriptions and guidance on managing medications to achieve long-term, sustainable health outcomes. Members who engage in health-promoting activities can earn rewards through the Flex Card, enhancing engagement and motivating better health decisions, the company said.

“With Walgreens serving as a cornerstone of accessible pharmacy and wellness products, this partnership directly addresses health inequities, particularly for members in underserved communities. With 80% of health outcomes attributed to social detriments of health, providing accessible solutions is essential for health plans to make a sustainable and long-term impact on the health of their members. NationsBenefits is committed to equipping members with the tools they need to make healthier choices, simplify their healthcare experience, and improve overall well-being,” NationsBenefits said.