Highmark Wholecare is dedicated to supporting you and your family in leading healthier lives. Recognizing that good health extends beyond medical care, they offer a range of programs addressing crucial aspects like food access, housing stability, transportation, education, and employment opportunities. These programs are designed for eligible individuals, providing comprehensive support tailored to your unique needs.
Accessing Care and Support
Navigating healthcare can be challenging. Highmark Wholecare ensures that help is readily available. While it's always recommended to contact your primary care provider or family doctor first for health concerns, Highmark Wholecare provides additional resources to guide you. Their Wholecare Resource Center connects you with programs best suited to your individual needs and location. This personalized approach ensures you receive the right support at the right time.
Healthy Food Initiatives
Recognizing the fundamental role of nutrition in overall well-being, Highmark Wholecare offers several avenues for accessing healthy food, particularly beneficial for those on a budget.
AHN Healthy Food Centers
Located within select Allegheny Health Network (AHN) hospitals, these centers provide immediate access to fresh produce. Eligible individuals can receive a three-day supply of free fruits and vegetables. Beyond providing food, the centers also offer valuable resources such as recipes and consultations with registered dietitians, empowering individuals to make informed dietary choices. Don’t forget your Food Bucks!
My Healthy Flex Card: Your Key to Healthy Food and More
Highmark Wholecare provides eligible members with a My Healthy Flex card, offering a flexible way to purchase healthy foods and other essential items. The benefit amount and usage vary based on eligibility for Special Supplemental Benefits for Chronically Ill (SSBCI).
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Eligibility and Benefit Amounts:
- If you qualify for SSBCI: You'll receive $300 each month. You can use this on things like over-the-counter medicines, healthy food, utilities, gas at the pump, and products to make your home safer.
- If you don't qualify for SSBCI: You'll receive $100 each month to spend on over-the-counter products and home safety items.
- If you qualify for SSBCI: You'll get $165 every three months to use on over-the-counter products, healthy foods, utilities, gas, and home safety products.
- If you don't qualify for SSBCI: You'll receive $45 every three months for over-the-counter products and home and bathroom safety products.
Activating and Using Your Card:
To activate your card, call 1-844-210-2175 (TTY 711) 24/7 or visit MyHealthyFlex.com. You must activate your card before use. Keep your card, it is re-loadable. Visit MyHealthyFlex.com or download the myTotal Benefits app from the app store on your smartphone for useful information about using your card, including benefit balances, approved products, to find participating stores in your area, transaction history and more. Once in store, use your My Healthy Flex card to pay for eligible items at checkout. Selecting "credit" on the credit card terminal is recommended so that you will not be required to enter a personal identification number (PIN). If your purchase exceeds your My Healthy Flex card balance you can use an alternate form of payment.
Shopping Options:
- In-Store: Use your My Healthy Flex card at participating retailers to purchase eligible items.
- Online: Visit MyHealthyFlex.com or use the myTotal Benefits app to shop the online catalog.
- By Phone: Order from the printed catalog by phone. An agent will assist you with providing alternate payment information if your benefit doesn't cover the full amount.
After your order is processed you should receive your items in 1-4 days, and shipping is free. Please note that some items may take longer to ship. If your benefit does not cover the full amount, contact your service provider to submit an alternate payment option.
Diamond Plan Food Benefits
Every month, Diamond members will receive $135 which can be used to buy foods at select retailers, online or by the phone. As a new Highmark Wholecare member you have to access healthy food benefits. Before you can use your card, you will have to activate it.
SSBCI Eligibility:
Special supplemental benefits are for people who are chronically ill with long-term conditions like continued therapies, obesity, immunodeficiency, functional challenges, and behavioral health. You also need to be at risk of going to the hospital and need extra help from care management. There are other conditions that may qualify you for benefits.
Comprehensive Support Programs
Beyond food assistance, Highmark Wholecare offers a wide array of programs designed to address various social determinants of health.
Read also: Does Highmark Cover Weight Loss?
Housing Stability
Recognizing that a safe and stable living environment is crucial for well-being, Highmark Wholecare connects members with resources to help pay for rent and utility bills (gas, electricity, sewage, or water).
Transportation Assistance
Navigating to medical appointments and essential services can be a challenge. Highmark Wholecare works with the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) to provide free rides to doctor visits, pharmacies, and other medical appointments. Each county is different. Get more free rides from Highmark Wholecare as part of your Medicaid coverage. Not everyone can get them, so ask us if you are able to get our rides.
Education and Job Support
Highmark Wholecare understands the long-term impact of education and employment on health. They offer support for GED and test preparation, providing access to in-person or online study tools and practice tests. Highmark Wholecare will also cover the cost of the test. You need to be at least 17 years old and live in PA for us to help.
Youth Enrichment
The Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe and supportive environment for young people, offering fun activities like summer camps, games, sports, and art. These programs promote healthy development and provide a safe place to go before and after school.
Wellness Coaching
This program helps you be healthier.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
Lifestyle Management Programs
Highmark Wholecare encourages your health and wellness through our Lifestyle Management programs and services. These programs don’t require a referral or co-payment.
Care Coordination
These services help you to make healthy choices. Yearly health surveys create a baseline of your health habits and behaviors. Checking where you’re at can help you make healthier choices. This survey helps you get the care you need by creating a personalized prevention care plan. The care plan includes education and tips to help you get and stay healthy. This service Highmark Wholecare offers helps you set and stick to plans to reach your health and wellness goals. They help you learn skills and make choices that lead to a healthier lifestyle. If you want to quit smoking, Highmark Wholecare wants to help. We offer medicines, counseling and other services to help you kick the habit.
Mental and Behavioral Health Support
Are you stressed, anxious or depressed? You can seek mental and behavioral health support through our program.