NationsBenefits, a healthcare fintech, benefits and outcomes platform, has begun a new partnership with Dave’s Markets and Lucky’s Markets Ohio to expand access to nutritious groceries, over-the-counter wellness items and essential goods for eligible health-plan members across Northeast Ohio.
Under the collaboration, health-plan members can use their NationsBenefits Benefits Mastercard Prepaid Flex Card at participating locations of the community-focused grocery retailers. Purchases are automatically processed through NationsBenefits’ Basket Analyzer Service (BAS) technology, which evaluates eligible items in real time at checkout – eliminating the need for claims or receipt submissions and delivering a seamless shopping experience.
The integration strengthens the connection between everyday grocery shopping and more comprehensive, community-centered nutrition strategies. A 2025 study published in the American Journal of Managed Care showed that members who used their grocery benefit were 6.6 percent more likely to complete annual wellness visits and 6.6 percent more likely to visit a specialist, highlighting how access to healthy food is linked to better long-term health engagement and outcomes.
“NationsBenefits is proud to partner with Dave’s Markets and Lucky’s Markets Ohio, two grocers that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve,” said Michael Parker, co-CEO of NationsBenefits.
“Making benefits simple to use in places where people already shop allows us to continue advancing food-as-medicine in a way that is practical and meaningful. This partnership helps members stay connected to the healthy essentials they need to support their overall well-being.”
For the grocery partners, the initiative provides an extension of their community-first missions. David Saltzman, VP of Dave’s Markets and Lucky’s Markets Ohio, said the collaboration enables the retailers to deepen their support for local families by facilitating easier access to nutritious foods.
Together, NationsBenefits, Dave’s Markets and Lucky’s Markets aim to merge innovative benefits technology with the convenience and familiarity of trusted neighborhood stores. The partnership supports health-plan goals related to engagement, preventive care and community health by reinforcing everyday access to nutritious groceries and wellness products.
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