Walmart combines its AI health platform with NationsBenefits services
In another expansion of its health care offerings, Walmart is providing personalized information and product recommendations to members of a health care fintech and supplemental benefits company.
The discount giant is connecting Everyday Health Signals, its new artificial intelligence-based digital platform, to NationsBenefits members. The collaboration includes NationsBenefits’ proprietary Basker Analyzer Service, which instantly lets members know if they can pay for products in their basket with their benefits. (NationsBenefits partners with managed care organizations to provide innovative healthcare, data analytics, gap closure, and fintech solutions aimed at driving growth, reducing costs, and pleasing members.)
The companies are also partnering to let Medicare Advantage members add benefit cards to their online Walmart account. This lets them see a “benefits program eligible” badge on an assortment of non-prescription products, including over-the-counter medications and food and wellness products.
"At Walmart, we’re focused on making it easier for individuals and families to access the everyday essentials that support their health and wellbeing," said Pravene Nath, M.D., group director, consumer health and data solutions at Walmart U.S. "Through our work with NationsBenefits and the integration of our respective proprietary technologies, including Walmart’s Everyday Health Signals, we’re providing customers who opt in with personalized insights and seamless access to the products they need to live healthier lives. Together, we’re creating convenient, affordable and impactful health solutions for communities across the country.”
How it works
By enrolling in the Walmart Everyday Health Signals program, NationsBenefits members can opt in to share behavioral insights with their health plan and receive tailored wellness support.
The program offers personalized nutrition and wellness insights for members through Nations and on Walmart.com, tracking trends in fruit and vegetable purchases and providing education on products high in sodium, saturated fat and added sugars. (NationsBenefits partners with managed care organizations to provide innovative healthcare, data analytics, gap closure, and fintech solutions aimed at driving growth, reducing costs, and pleasing members."
Members also gain access to healthy recipes and shopping lists and can use their NationsBenefits Benefits Mastercard prepaid flex card to purchase eligible groceries, OTC products, and wellness items at more than 4,600 Walmart stores and on Walmart.com.
“At NationsBenefits, we are redefining how healthcare and retail come together to improve access and outcomes for health plan members nationwide,” said Michael Parker,Co-CEO of NationsBenefits. “Consumers are more aware than ever of the impact nutrition has on their health, and healthcare should reflect that awareness. By integrating our proprietary fintech infrastructure and real-time benefit adjudication technology, we’re ensuring members can seamlessly access essential healthy food, OTC products, and wellness items—while helping health plans proactively address key health determinants through actionable insights.
Walmart is co-launching this new program following the pullback of its Walmart Health service, which included brick-and-mortar clinics as well as virtual care options, in 2024.
[READ MORE: Walmart to shutter health care centers, cites lack of profitability]
Headquartered in Bentonville, Ark., Walmart Inc. operates more than 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites in 19 countries.
