UnitedHealthcare launches healthy food discount program

UnitedHealthcare is helping its members eat healthier. And cheaper.

The health insurance provider paired with Roundy's Supermarkets and Solutran Inc. to offer a Healthy Savings program that provides discounts for healthier food purchases.

"We have a huge problem with obesity in the nation, and in Wisconsin a huge problem with diabetes," said Angela Loberg, vice president of sales and account management for UHC-Wisconsin. She said making healthier food cheaper and more accessible could motivate people to eat better.

UnitedHealthcare members of fully-insured, company-sponsored health plans will receive discount cards in the mail this month. UnitedHealthcare has about 200,000 fully-insured members in Wisconsin.

The cards can be used at Roundy's stores in Wisconsin, including Copps, Pick 'n Save and Metro Market. Roundy's operates 119 stores in Wisconsin that nearly duplicate UnitedHealthcare's footprint. Loberg said Woodman's Foods will join the program in the third quarter.

The program requires no clipping, printing or downloading of coupons. Members will receive weekly emails on the discounted items and recipes on how to use them, Loberg said. Or they can view the weekly selection of discounted items at www.uhcwihealthysavings.com.

Items will be updated every Sunday and include staples, such as milk, bread, eggs, chicken and yogurt, as well as other foods on a variable basis, including fresh and packaged fruits and vegetables. Brands may vary from week to week. More than 140 brands are included in the program.

"The other thing that's nice is the discounts aren't a couple of cents. The discounts are dollars. The savings are meaningful," Loberg said.

UnitedHealthcare estimates shoppers could save $30 to $70 a week.

Guiding Star nutrition guidance system rates nutritional quality of the food.

The www.uhcwihealthysavings.com website allows members to find participating stores, track accumulated savings through the program, view health information on serving sizes and portions, and create a shopping list and find recipes.

"Over the past 18 months we have watched the program help break down the barrier of the high cost of healthier food and have acheived industry-leading engagement rates," said Chad Kelly, general manager of Healthy Savings.

The program launched 18 months ago in Minnesota. Loberg said about 40 percent of recipients activated their cards and the number continues to increase.

Employers who sponsor self-funding insurance plans can purchase Healthy Savings as an additional benefit, she said.

— rryman@greenbaypressgazette.com and follow him on Twitter @RichRymanPG or on Facebook at Richard Ryman-Press-Gazette. Contact him at (920) 431-8342.