What Does the Humana Food Card Pay For for Seniors?

As of early 2025, Humana's former Healthy Foods Card has been replaced by the more expansive Healthy Options allowance, provided on a Humana Spending Account Card. This allowance for eligible seniors goes beyond just food, covering a wider range of items aimed at improving overall wellness.

Quick Summary

The Humana Spending Account Card, now featuring the Healthy Options allowance, helps eligible seniors pay for approved groceries, over-the-counter health items, certain household supplies, and even utility bills.

Key Points

• Benefit Name: The Humana "food card" is now known as the Healthy Options allowance and is provided via a Humana Spending Account Card.

• Covered Items: Eligible purchases include a wide range of groceries, over-the-counter (OTC) products, household essentials, and even utilities or rent in some plans.

• Eligibility: This benefit is available only to seniors enrolled in specific Humana Medicare Advantage plans, particularly Special Needs Plans (SNPs).

• Using the Card: The card is used like a debit or credit card at participating retailers, and a PIN (the last four digits of the card number) is sometimes required.

• Where to Shop: Eligible items can be purchased at thousands of stores, including major retailers like Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, which can be found using the Healthy Benefits+ website or app.

• Activation Required: The card must be activated before first use, which can be done online or by phone.

• Rollover Policy: For plan years starting in 2025, unused monthly allowances may roll over but expire at the end of the plan year.

The Humana food card, now officially part of the broader Healthy Options allowance, offers a significant benefit for eligible seniors with specific Humana Medicare Advantage plans, such as Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). This preloaded debit card allows members to purchase a wide array of health- and wellness-related items at participating retailers, addressing more than just nutritional needs. Understanding the specific eligible items and how to use the card effectively can help seniors maximize this valuable benefit.

What Groceries Are Covered?

The Healthy Options allowance is designed to promote healthier eating by covering a comprehensive list of food items. Eligibility can vary by specific plan and location, so always consult your plan's details for the most accurate list. However, the covered food categories are generally extensive and include many daily staples.

Commonly approved food items:

• Produce: Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables (without excessive added sugars or preservatives).
• Proteins: Lean meats, seafood, eggs, and beans.
• Dairy: Milk, cheese, and yogurt.
• Pantry Staples: Healthy grains like whole wheat bread, pasta, oatmeal, flour, sugar, and cooking spices.
• Other: Juices, water, and various prepared and frozen meals.

Beyond Groceries: Other Covered Items

One of the key distinctions of the newer Healthy Options allowance is its expanded coverage beyond just food. This allows seniors to address other critical wellness needs with their allowance, based on their specific plan.

Non-food items often covered:

• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Health Products: This includes items like vitamins, pain relievers, cold and flu medicine, first-aid supplies, and stomach remedies.
• Household Essentials: Basic supplies such as toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and cleaning products are frequently covered.
• Pet Supplies: In some plans, items for pets, including food and toys, are eligible purchases.
• Utilities and Rent: A significant benefit for some plans is the ability to use the allowance toward living expenses like electric, water, rent, or mortgage payments.
• Assistive Devices: Grab bars, reaching aids, and other home safety items can be purchased.

How to Use the Humana Spending Account Card

Using the card is similar to using a standard debit or credit card at checkout. It is loaded with funds monthly or quarterly, depending on the plan.

Steps to use the card:

1. Activation: Before the first use, you must activate the card either online at HealthyBenefitsPlus.com or by calling the number on the card.
2. Shopping: Shop at participating retailers. You can use Humana's Store Finder or the Healthy Benefits+ mobile app to locate stores near you and check item eligibility by scanning products.
3. Checkout: Swipe or enter the card information at checkout. When prompted, you can use the card as "credit" or as "debit" with your PIN (often the last four digits of your card number).
4. Covering Costs: If your purchase includes both eligible and ineligible items, or if the total exceeds your balance, you must pay the remaining amount with another form of payment.

Healthy Options Allowance vs. Other Humana Cards

Humana offers different spending accounts, and it's important for members to understand which one their plan includes, as the eligible purchases can vary significantly. The Healthy Options allowance is just one potential benefit on a Humana Spending Account Card.

Feature	Healthy Options Allowance	OTC Allowance	Flex Allowance
Eligible Purchases	Approved groceries, OTC items, household supplies, and sometimes rent/utilities.	Over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and first-aid supplies.	Covered dental, vision, or hearing services and related out-of-pocket costs.
Eligibility	For members in specific Medicare Advantage plans, including D-SNPs and Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans.	Varies by Medicare Advantage plan.	Varies by Medicare Advantage plan.
Reload Frequency	Typically monthly or quarterly.	Typically monthly or quarterly.	Typically monthly or quarterly.
Rollover	Starting in 2025, unused funds may roll over monthly but expire at the end of the plan year.	Rollover policy is plan-specific; check your plan details.	Rollover policy is plan-specific; check your plan details.

Conclusion

The Humana food card, now referred to as the Healthy Options allowance, offers a substantial benefit for eligible seniors with select Medicare Advantage plans. By covering a broad range of items, from nutritious groceries and OTC health products to household essentials and even utility costs, the program helps improve the overall well-being of its members. Seniors should carefully review their specific plan details to understand the eligible purchases and benefit amounts. Making full use of this card can help seniors manage their monthly budget and access the essential items they need for a healthier lifestyle.

Learn more about your specific Humana benefits and check participating retailers at HealthyBenefitsPlus.com/Humana.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new name for the Humana food card?

The Humana food card is now part of the Healthy Options allowance, which is loaded onto a Humana Spending Account Card.

Can I buy snacks and junk food with the Humana Healthy Options allowance?

While some snacks may be eligible, the allowance is primarily for approved healthy food items. Items like alcohol, tobacco, and lottery tickets are strictly prohibited.

Where can I find a list of participating retailers?

You can find participating retailers by using the Store Finder tool on HealthyBenefitsPlus.com/Humana or through the Healthy Benefits+ mobile app.

What if my purchase includes non-eligible items?

If your purchase includes both eligible and non-eligible items, your Humana card will only cover the approved items. You will need to use another payment method for the remaining balance.

Do unused funds on the Humana Spending Account Card roll over?

Starting in 2025, unused Healthy Options allowance funds from one month can roll over to the next. However, any leftover money is forfeited at the end of the plan year.

How do I check my card balance?

You can check your balance online at HealthyBenefitsPlus.com/Humana, by calling the member service number on the back of your card, or via the Healthy Benefits+ mobile app.

Is the Healthy Options allowance available for all Humana members?

No, the Healthy Options allowance is a specific benefit included only with certain Humana Medicare Advantage plans, such as those for individuals who are dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.