Navigating the world of healthy food benefits can be complex. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how programs like the Food & Home Card and the UnitedHealthcare UCard work, specifically focusing on their acceptance at Publix and other retailers.
Online Purchasing with EBT at Publix
Publix has joined the ranks of North Carolina EBT retailers approved for online FNS (Food and Nutrition Service) purchases. This means that FNS participants in North Carolina can now use their EBT benefits to purchase eligible food items online from Publix, along with other retailers such as ALDI, Amazon, BJ’s, Carlie’s, Food Lion, and Walmart. It's important to note that while you can purchase food items, you cannot use your benefits to cover service or delivery charges. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) must approve retailers who wish to participate in the FNS online purchasing program. The NCDHHS (North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services) actively encourages other EBT retailers to seek USDA approval to become authorized online retailers.
Understanding the Food & Home Card
The Food & Home Card is a supplemental benefit offered on specific health plans, particularly to members with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems, or a history of stroke. Eligibility is determined by meeting specific plan coverage criteria, with other conditions also potentially qualifying.
How to Qualify for the Food & Home Card
The qualification process depends on your specific health plan:
- For C-SNP Enrollees: A C-SNP qualification form, completed and signed by your doctor, is required. The plan may contact you or your doctor to confirm your eligibility.
- For Other Enrollees: The plan will review your claims and medical records to identify qualifying health conditions. You may be contacted for additional information. You can also self-attest to having a qualifying condition for temporary approval.
It's crucial to use the full monthly amount, as unused funds do not roll over to the next month. The card is automatically refilled on the first of each month, so remember to retain it.
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Using Your Food & Home Card at Publix and Other Stores
The Food & Home Card can be used at participating grocery stores, including Publix, Walmart, Kroger, Dollar General, Food Lion, Safeway, The Giant Company, Giant Eagle, Albertsons, and Sedano's.
To use the card:
- Shop at participating grocery stores.
- Choose qualifying foods.
- Swipe your Food & Home Card as CREDIT. Selecting "debit" will prevent the card from working.
The card cannot be used at convenience stores, restaurants (including fast food), or gas stations.
What You Can Buy with the Food & Home Card
While you can purchase most food items, the card is intended for healthy options. Recommended items include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Fish and lean meats
- Eggs, cheese, milk, and other dairy products
- Whole grains like whole wheat bread and brown rice
- Nuts, seeds, and spreads
- Olive oil and other plant-based oils
- Supplemental drinks like Boost® and Ensure®
The card cannot be used for certain items, such as soda, candy, alcohol, baby formula, and pet food. As long as the item type is allowed, you can choose any size or brand.
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Managing Your Food & Home Card
- Checking Your Balance:
- Visit the member portal.
- Call 1-855-904-3663 (TTY 711).
- Use the OTC Health Solutions app (iPhone | Android).
- Replacing a Lost Card: Contact the number above to request a replacement.
- Digital Barcode: Some stores accept a digital barcode, accessible through the OTC Health Solutions app (iPhone | Android), if you don't have your physical card.
- Reimbursement: If you encounter issues using your card for qualifying expenses, you can pay out-of-pocket and request reimbursement by filling out a CVS/OTC Health Solutions reimbursement request form.
The UnitedHealthcare UCard: Another Avenue for Healthy Food
The UnitedHealthcare UCard is another way eligible Medicare Advantage members can access benefits, including those for healthy food and over-the-counter (OTC) products.
Key Features of the UCard
- Credits for Eligible Items: Credits are loaded onto the UCard to help pay for covered OTC products and wellness support.
- Verification of Chronic Conditions: For 2026, verification of a qualifying chronic condition will be required to spend your monthly OTC credit on healthy food and utilities. However, UnitedHealthcare has already verified a qualifying condition for a significant portion of their eligible members.
- Flexible Spending: Credits are loaded either quarterly or monthly, depending on the plan. The card can be used to purchase a variety of brand-name or generic covered products. A product scanner within the UnitedHealthcare app helps determine which products are covered.
- Participating Retailers: The UCard can be used at a large network of retail locations, including Walmart, CVS, and Publix. Online shopping is also available through the UCard Hub on the member site or UnitedHealthcare app.
Using the UCard for Healthy Food
The UCard can be used to purchase items like vegetables, fruit, milk, and juice, aligning with a focus on wholesome, health-related products.
Important Considerations for Both Cards
- Plan-Specific Benefits: The specific benefits, features, and covered items can vary depending on the plan and area. Always review your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for detailed information.
- Expiration Timeframes: Food, OTC, and utility benefits often have expiration timeframes, so it's important to use the credits within the designated period.
- Limitations and Exclusions: Be aware of any limitations, exclusions, or network restrictions associated with the card.
Paying Utility Bills, Mortgage, or Rent with the Food & Home Card
In addition to purchasing food, the Food & Home Card can be used to pay for certain housing and utility costs:
- Eligible Expenses: Electricity, water, sewer, trash, home heating fuel, internet, phone, rent, and mortgage.
- Ineligible Expenses: Money orders, prepaid cell phone service, cable, satellite, streaming services, and gasoline for your car.
To pay bills:
- Use your 16-digit card number.
- Ensure the utility company or landlord accepts Visa and is listed in Visa’s system as a qualifying provider.
- The address on the bill must match your address on file with the plan.
Common Questions About Healthy Food Cards
- How much money do I get each month/quarter? Check your plan documents for the specific amount.
- Can I use the benefit before my card arrives? A digital barcode may be available in the OTC Health Solutions app.
- Do I need a PIN? No, swipe your card and choose CREDIT.
- Do I need to spend the full amount all at once? No, but be sure to spend it all each month, as unused amounts do not roll over.
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