Albertsons Companies Helps Expand Affordable Access to Fresh Food and Wellness Products for Millions of Customers

Rhea-AI Summary

Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) has announced the acceptance of supplemental health benefits to enhance customer access to fresh produce and over-the-counter medications. This initiative allows shoppers using pre-paid cards funded by Medicare Advantage plans and other sources to conveniently purchase eligible items. The company has partnered with Solutran to facilitate these transactions, aiming to combat food insecurity and promote wellness. The Solutran S3 platform is expected to issue approximately $5 billion in benefits this year, bolstering Albertsons' commitment to health and community support.

Positive

• Introduction of supplemental health benefits enables customers to purchase fresh produce and medications.
• Partnership with Solutran to facilitate $5 billion in food and OTC benefits enhances shopping convenience.

Negative

• None.

Company now accepts supplemental health benefits as part of its commitment to creating access to food and promoting wellness

BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) announced today that customers can now use supplemental benefits to purchase over-the-counter medications and fresh produce in the company’s stores. The new program provides convenient access to customers using pre-paid cards funded by Medicare Advantage plans, employer incentives, healthcare providers, or local governments, furthering the company’s commitment to support the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

“We are committed to offering solutions that deliver access to healthy produce and meals, reduce food insecurity and provide solutions for chronic condition management,” said Omer Gajial, EVP of Pharmacy and Health at Albertsons Cos. “Using supplemental benefits enables shoppers to conveniently shop for fresh food and over-the-counter medications contributing to their overall health and well-being.”

Albertsons Cos. has partnered with technology payments platforms such as Solutran’s S3 to make it convenient for eligible cardholders to use their health plan funds to shop for hundreds of fresh produce and over-the-counter products in Albertsons Cos. stores. Customers can use their pre-paid cards in stores to easily shop for eligible items and make healthier choices.

“Albertsons Companies stores are a very popular shopping destination for millions of Medicare Advantage members using the Solutran S3 benefits platform,” said Mike Rahman, President of Solutran. “This year, the platform will issue approximately $5 billion in food and over-the-counter benefits.”

Albertsons Cos. also accepts Fresh Bucks, a local government supplemental program supported by S3 which launched in Seattle to help consumers afford fruits and vegetables. The company is working to expand programs like Fresh Bucks to more stores.

About Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer that operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia with more than 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220330005104/en/

Jessica Keener

media@albertsons.com

Source: Albertsons Companies

FAQ

What new benefits is Albertsons Companies offering to customers?

Albertsons is now accepting supplemental health benefits for purchasing fresh produce and over-the-counter medications.

How much in benefits does the Solutran S3 platform expect to issue this year?

The Solutran S3 platform is expected to issue approximately $5 billion in benefits this year.

What payment options are available for customers at Albertsons stores?

Customers can use pre-paid cards funded by Medicare Advantage plans, employer incentives, and local governments.

Where has the Fresh Bucks program been launched?

The Fresh Bucks program was launched in Seattle to help consumers afford fruits and vegetables.

Which company partnered with Albertsons for the supplemental benefits program?

Albertsons partnered with Solutran to facilitate the use of health plan funds in their stores.