Kroger launches pharmacy benefits program
Kroger is expanding its attempts to save customers money on their medications.
Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. is partnering with health tech startup Soda Health Inc. to launch its new Smart Benefits program. The initiative combines Kroger Health’s services with Soda Health’s “&more” platform.
This program allows participating Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and employer benefits program recipients to receive certain pharmacy, nutrition services and other eligible benefits at Kroger banner pharmacies, in addition to purchasing eligible food and over-the-counter health items. Soda Health is operated and supporting Smart Benefits.
The benefit resources funded by insurance plans are accessed through Soda Health’s &more debit card. The program offers personalized health recommendations, including reminders about health screenings, vaccines, prescription refills, and suggestions for medical supplies such as glucose monitors. Customers can also use the &more debit card to pay for transportation for medical appointments or personal utility bills.
In July 2023, the grocer introduced Kroger Health Savings Club (KHSC), a membership program developed with the goal of providing members and their families with savings on commonly prescribed medications. The savings program aims to make medications more affordable and accessible for members and their families.
The KHSC membership program, based on the RxSense healthcare intelligence platform, includes individual and family options designed to allow members to save money on thousands of prescription medications. The program makes it possible for members to save on their medications even if those medications are not covered in the person's insurance plan.
“The Smart Benefits program within Soda Health’s &more platform will provide more people with the tools, and information they need to make better, healthier choices,” said James Kirby, chief commercial officer of Kroger Health. “We know food has such a large impact on health outcomes for our customers and patients. By improving access to healthy, affordable food and other health resources, we are working toward truly changing the way America eats.”
“Together, Soda Health and Kroger Health are enabling localized and personalized healthcare to customers,” said Robby Knight, co-founder and CEO of Soda Health. “We chose to collaborate with Kroger Health to share the prominent role that food as medicine plays in health care. Through their services including registered dietitians they are working to empower people to make choices that will impact their overall wellbeing.”
Kroger increases presence in discount prescriptions
The Smart Benefits program is the latest step Kroger is taking to establish itself in as a low-cost provider in the lucrative – and increasingly price-competitive – $300 billion-plus prescription market. Other retailers and entities actively participating in the space include Walgreens, Amazon, GNC and billionaire and TV personality Mark Cuban.
Based in Cincinnati, Kroger operates 2,800 stores, including more than 100 stores in Southeast Texas and Louisiana, under a variety of banners across the U.S., including Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith's, King Soopers, Fry's, QFC, City Market, Owen's, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker's, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick 'n Save, Metro Market and Mariano's.