In a move designed to improve access to healthy food and make life easier for plan members, technology leader Instacart has partnered with NationsBenefits, a prominent provider of supplemental benefits and healthcare fintech solutions. This collaboration allows health plans utilizing NationsBenefits – including Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and commercial plans – to offer same-day grocery delivery through Instacart as a supplemental benefit.
Starting today, members can leverage plan-sponsored funds distributed via their NationsBenefits Benefits Mastercard Prepaid Card to purchase healthy groceries and pantry staples for same-day delivery from over 85,000 stores accessible on Instacart. This service extends to a vast majority of North American households (more than 95%) including an impressive 93% of U.S. residents residing in food deserts, areas with limited access to healthy and affordable food options.
Accessing these benefits is a streamlined process. Eligible members can utilize their grocery benefit to purchase Instacart Health Fresh Funds (virtual grocery stipends) via the NationsBenefits Benefits Pro Portal and Benefits Pro Mobile application. Once funds are secured, members can select their preferred local grocer from the curated NationsBenefits Virtual Storefront on Instacart and begin filling their cart. Conveniently, members can use their Fresh Funds to pay for their order at checkout.
“We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Instacart, a collaboration that will further strengthen NationsBenefits’ commitment to improving the well-being of our members,” declared Dr. Glenn Parker, CEO of NationsBenefits, based in Plantation, Florida. “This partnership strongly aligns with our mission, and we believe that it will not only help improve the overall health and quality of life for the communities we serve, but will also mark a significant step forward in redefining the intersection of health care and convenience.”
“Through Instacart, we can help people overcome barriers to access by connecting them with the retailers they know, love and trust online, offering the added convenience of same-day delivery,” added Sarah Mastrorocco, VP and general manager of Instacart Health. “By partnering with health benefit leaders like NationsBenefits, we’re expanding the ways people can pay for their groceries on Instacart, allowing members to use the health benefits already available to them through their health plan to get their essentials delivered.”
This partnership benefits from Instacart’s Health initiative, which utilizes the company’s platform, partnerships, and products to improve access to fresh and nutritious food, simplify healthy choices, and expand food-as-medicine programs. Through the Instacart Health Wallet, customers can utilize available benefits for shopping, including EBT SNAP, supplemental health benefits, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), and Instacart Health Fresh Funds. Recognizing the needs of eligible Medicare Advantage members over 60 years old, Instacart offers a dedicated Senior Support Service with specialists who can assist with setting up Instacart accounts and placing orders for those requiring help.
The NationsBenefits Benefits Mastercard Prepaid Card program empowers health plans to provide members with a convenient method to pay for qualified items and approved services. Members receive a personalized prepaid card offering fast and easy access to loaded funds on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.
This partnership between Instacart and NationsBenefits holds promise for improving access to healthy food options and simplifying grocery shopping for a significant portion of the population, particularly those in underserved communities. By combining NationsBenefits’ reach within the healthcare sector with Instacart’s extensive grocery delivery network, this collaboration has the potential to positively impact the lives of many.
