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Business Wire
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
NationsBenefits® Expands Health Plan Benefit Access Through Fintech Integration with Discount Drug Mart, Inc.
PLANTATION, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NationsBenefits®, the leading provider of supplemental benefits and healthcare fintech solutions, is proud to announce the integration of its proprietary Basket Analyzer Service (BAS) technology platform with Discount Drug Mart, Inc.®'s point-of-sale systems. For many individuals, access to affordable healthcare essentials is a critical part of their well-being. Through this integration, more than 75 Discount Drug Mart, Inc. locations across Ohio will now accept NationsBenefits' Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card, allowing eligible members to purchase essential over-the-counter (OTC) medications, nutritious groceries, and wellness products—helping them stay healthy without financial or logistical barriers. 'Providing members access to use their benefits at their local pharmacy ensures there are no barriers of access to healthcare.' Share 'Discount Drug Mart, Inc. is a staple local pharmacy serving many communities across Ohio. We are excited with this integration as we can bring great value to member benefits and allow them to live their healthiest lives,' said Michael Parker, co-CEO of NationsBenefits. 'Providing members access to use their benefits at their local pharmacy ensures there are no barriers of access to healthcare.' By bridging the gap of pointed benefit solutions with one holistic integrated system across supplemental benefits, rewards & incentives, and outcomes, NationsBenefits is eliminating financial and logistical barriers that often prevent individuals from obtaining the health essentials and food they need. 'We believe in making healthcare accessible and convenient. This integration with NationsBenefits strengthens that commitment,' said Pete Ratycz, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy at Discount Drug Mart, Inc. 'It also allows us to better serve our customers, ensuring they have the flexibility they need to focus on their health without financial barriers.' This integration represents a significant step forward in addressing the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH)—the non-medical factors that influence upwards of 80% of health outcomes, including access to affordable nutrition, preventative care, and essential wellness products. By leveraging fintech innovation to expand benefit access at trusted retail locations like Discount Drug Mart, Inc., NationsBenefits is helping reduce healthcare disparities, promote better health outcomes, and empower individuals to take control of their well-being. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, strategic partnerships like this play a vital role in ensuring that all individuals—regardless of income or geography—can easily access the resources they need to lead healthier lives. About NationsBenefits® NationsBenefits® is a leading provider of supplemental benefits, fintech solutions, and outcomes to the healthcare industry. By leveraging innovative technology and strategic partnerships, NationsBenefits works alongside managed care organizations to deliver impactful healthcare solutions that enhance member experiences and improve health outcomes. For more information, visit About Discount Drug Mart, Inc. Discount Drug Mart, Inc. is a leading regional pharmacy and retail chain serving communities for over 50 years. Known for their wide range of products and services at great prices, all with superior customer service and the convenience of a one-stop shopping experience. Learn more and find your nearest location at *The Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. Card can be used for eligible expenses wherever Mastercard is accepted. Valid only in the U.S. No cash access.


Business Wire
29-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
NationsBenefits® and Walmart are Revolutionizing Health Plan Member Engagement with Technology, Retail and Nutrition Integrations
PLANTATION, Fla. & BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NationsBenefits®, the leading healthcare fintech, supplemental benefits, and outcomes platform, and Walmart, the world's largest retailer, today announced they are continuing to work together to transform how health plan members access essential benefits through tech-powered tools. This collaboration includes NationsBenefits' proprietary Basket Analyzer Service (BAS) as well as the Walmart Everyday Health Signals™ program, which leverages opt in retail behavioral insights and analysis to help individuals live better by providing personalized nutrition and wellness guidance. "By integrating our proprietary fintech infrastructure and real-time benefit adjudication technology with Walmart, we're ensuring members can seamlessly access essential healthy food, OTC products, and wellness items..." Share Consumers today expect healthcare to be as convenient and seamless as banking, shopping, or any other tech-enabled service. NationsBenefits is leading this evolution by creating an integrated experience where members can use their health benefits effortlessly. Working together, NationsBenefits and Walmart are offering Walmart's Everyday Health Signals program to flex card members. This initiative enhances the member experience and supports the day-to-day decisions that connect healthcare and nutrition. By enrolling in the Walmart Everyday Health Signals program, 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 tracking trends in fruit and vegetable purchases and providing education on products high in sodium, saturated fat and added sugars. Members also gain access to healthy recipes and shopping lists, making informed choices easier. With 90% of the U.S. population living within 10 miles of a Walmart store, the opportunity for convenient, personalized health engagement is unparalleled. '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. This is the future of healthcare—seamless, personalized, and focused on real outcomes.' This will give millions of health plan members who opt in direct access to personalized insights, flexible benefits and real-time engagement tools that help them make informed decisions about their wellness, including: Real-Time Shopping Insights: By enrolling in the Walmart Everyday Health Signals program, members can opt in to share retail behavioral insights with their health plan and to receive tailored wellness support through personalized guidance based on their shopping habits. Seamless Benefit Acces s: Members 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 with new online badging across thousands of eligible products that makes it easier for customers to shop with their health plan. Actionable Nutrition & Wellness Support: Data-driven guidance helps members navigate food choices, and lifestyle changes—all within their existing shopping experience. '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, MD, 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.' By working together with Walmart, NationsBenefits is making healthcare engagement easier. Members who opt into the program can share real-time insights from their Walmart shopping habits, allowing NationsBenefits to enhance their health plan experience with personalized guidance, incentives, and benefits that align with their specific wellness goals. Whether it's guiding a member toward better nutrition or optimizing rewards for healthy purchases this initiative transforms passive transactions into meaningful healthcare interactions. NationsBenefits and Walmart are setting a new industry standard for how retail and health plans can connect with their members. This collaboration underscores the power of delivering a personalized, technology-driven experience that helps members make healthier choices, all within a familiar shopping experience. About NationsBenefits® NationsBenefits® is the leading provider of supplemental benefits and fintech solutions and outcomes to the healthcare industry. NationsBenefits partners with managed care organizations to provide innovative healthcare, data analytics, gap closure, and fintech solutions aimed at driving growth, reducing costs, and delighting members. Combining its cutting-edge technology with targeted retailer partnerships, NationsBenefits empowers health plans to deliver impactful supplemental benefits to optimize member experiences and drive better health outcomes. By simplifying processes to make smarter choices and expanding access to benefits solutions, NationsBenefits aims to improve each of its members' quality of life through its revolutionary and comprehensive suite of offerings. To learn more, visit About Walmart Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better — anytime and anywhere — in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 270 million customers and members visit more than 10,750 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2025 revenue of $681 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting on Facebook at on X (formerly known as Twitter) at and on LinkedIn at The Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. The card can be used for eligible expenses wherever Mastercard is accepted. Valid only in the U.S. No cash access.


BBC News
16-05-2025
- BBC News
Building blaze near Hertfordshire County Hall under investigation
Police have begun an arson investigation following a blaze that completely destroyed a disused building in the grounds of County Hall in Fire and Rescue Service was called to Pegs Lane shortly after 19:00 BST on county's police force is seeking witnesses to any suspicious activity in the area at the Con Michael Parker said: "Thankfully no-one was hurt during the incident, but it could easily have been a different story and we are taking the matter very seriously." "We know that several people were in the area at the time and we are keen to trace them," he extinguished the fire by about 22:00 blaze was contained to an annex building and did not affect neighbouring Leahoe House or County Hall. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.


BBC News
22-04-2025
- BBC News
Police officer hurt in crash with suspected stolen car in Gorton
A traffic police officer has been taken to hospital with serious arm and leg injuries after a crash with a suspected stolen car that had been travelling up to 110 officer's car was struck by a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction on Hyde Road in Gorton at about 03:55 BST Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said. Both the officer and the male driver of the suspected stolen vehicle were taken to hospital, with the busy commuter road closed to traffic. A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol, drug driving and taking a vehicle without consent, a GMP spokesman said. Reports of a stolen vehicle on Lancashire Hill in Stockport were made to police at about 03:30 began to pursue the vehicle shortly after, and followed the driver, who ran red lights and reached speeds of up to 110mph, a police spokesman said. The car moved on to Hyde Road and then struck another police vehicle that was responding to the Insp Michael Parker, of GMP's roads policing unit, said: "We constantly patrol the road network to catch those who are intent on breaking the law, whether that be dangerous driving, driving under the influence or having no insurance."The force has appealed for anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage of the incident to come forward. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.


Gulf Insider
17-03-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Man With 'Disfigured Genitals' Gets $50 Million In Starbucks Spill Suit
A man whose genitalia was 'disfigured' by hot coffee was awarded $50 million by a California jury on Friday after a five year court Garcia was picking up drinks at a Los Angeles Starbucks drive-through when he suffered 'suffered severe burns, disfigurement, and debilitating nerve damage to his genitals when hot drinks ultimately spilled' onto his lap, according to the 2020 lawsuit filed in California Superior Court, which accused Starbucks of breaching its duty of care by failing to secure the lid. Garcia's lawyer, Michael Parker, said his client was picking up three beverages – one of which wasn't fully pushed into the drink holder. When the barista handed Garcia the order, a hot drink fell out and spilled onto his lap – causing permanent and life-changing disfigurement. According to a recording of the verdict, Garcia's damages cover physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, humiliation, inconvenience, grief, disfigurement, physical impairment, anxiety and emotional distress. Garcia underwent skin grafts and other procedures on his genitals after a venti-sized tea drink spilled on him on Feb. 8, 2020, causing 'permanent and life-changing disfigurement,' according to his attorneys. Click here to read more Also read: US & Israel Ask East African Countries To Resettle Palestinians