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CarePlus CareEssentials Card™

The 2023 CareEssentials Card, formerly known as Healthy Foods Card, is a benefit for CarePlus members enrolled in a CareNeeds Plus (HMO D-SNP) plan. To qualify for CareNeeds Plus, you must have both Medicare and Medicaid.

Sample of CarePlus CareEssentials Card

Your CareEssentials Card from CarePlus helps you buy the things you need most. You can choose to spend your allowance on many of the items you find most helpful for your well-being.

Here’s how your CareEssentials Card can help. Use it to:

  • Buy food, over-the-counter products, and personal care products in approved stores or online.
  • Pay for pet care including vet visits, medicine, food, and grooming.
  • Pay all or part of your bills like utilities, rent, or your mortgage.
  • And more.

If you haven’t received your CareEssentials Card in the mail by the end of this year, you may call Member Services to confirm your mailing address and request a new card. Member Services can also instruct you on how to use an electronic version of your card through the app.

Your CareEssentials Card allowance is automatically reloaded every month. Use each month’s allowance before that month ends. It will not carry over to the next month. Plan benefits may change on Jan. 1 of each year. In September, we will mail you an Annual Notice of Changes to let you know about any benefit changes for the next plan year.

You have the freedom to spend your allowance on the approved products and services you need. Your benefit only covers approved items up to the amount on your card. You can use another form of payment to cover any remaining balance or items not approved.

Choose any of the topics below to find out more about using your card:

  • When will I receive my card?
    1. Enrolled before Jan. 1, 2023: You will receive your new physical card in December 2022.
    2. Enrolled after Jan. 1, 2023: You will receive a physical card soon after you are enrolled.
  • How do I use my card?
    1. First, request and activate your card. You’ll need to enter your card number, birthdate (MM/DD/YYYY), and ZIP code.
    2. Next, start shopping.
      Starting Jan. 1, 2023, shop with your allowance in stores and online. You can find participating stores and eligible items while you shop using the Healthy Benefits+ mobile app. More details are also available below.
    3. Checkout and save.
      Use your card to buy eligible products and services. Swipe the card or scan the barcode to use your allowance toward your purchase.

    To view complete program details, find a store, check your balance, and view the terms and conditions:

  • How do I shop with my CareEssentials Card allowance?

    However you like to shop, we’ve got you covered.

    First, be sure to go to HealthyBenefitsPlus.com/CarePlus to register your card and create a profile.

    For groceries, over-the-counter products, home and personal care products, pet care supplies, and more:

    For bill pay services (general supports for living):

    • In Stores: You can pay your eligible utility bills for approved service providers at your local Walmart Customer Service desk or money center.
    • Online: Sign in to the HealthyBenefitsPlus webpage (link opens in new window) and click on the Bill Pay page and complete your payment. You can also pay your bill directly on your service provider’s website if they accept Visa®.
    • By Phone: To pay your utility bill, call 1-855-391-0942 (TTY: 711) anytime. Have your bill ready. The customer service representative will need to know your date of birth and ZIP code.

    Bill payment will be withdrawn on the date you select. The address CarePlus has on file must match the service address.

    CarePlus is not responsible for any fees or service interruptions. This service may not include all utility companies; please check if your service provider is eligible. Service fee may apply.

    For pest control and non-medical transportation:

    • In Person: Swipe your card with the service provider (e.g., Uber, Lyft, pest control services).
    • Online: Enter the 16-digit card number and 3-digit CVV on the service provider’s website or app payment page.
  • What can I buy with my CareEssentials Card allowance?

    Category Product Examples

    Foods
    • Bakery - breads, tortillas and rolls
    • Beverages - coffee, tea and juice
    • Dairy - milk, eggs, cheese and yogurt
    • Frozen - produce, meals and vegetables
    • Grab and go - fresh meal kits and prepared deli items
    • Meat and seafood
    • Pantry - baking goods, canned goods, nutritional shakes, pasta and snacks
    • Produce

    Available at any approved retailer

    OTC
    • Vitamins and supplements
    • Digestive health
    • Personal care products
    • Allergy, cold and flu
    • Pain relief
    • First aid
    • Ear and eye care

    Available at any approved retailer

    Home & Personal Supplies
    • Paper Products - paper towels, napkins, paper plates, toilet paper, facial tissue, paper cups
    • Cleaning Supplies - bathroom, kitchen and dust cleaner/wipes, laundry and dishwasher detergent, dish soap
    • Personal Wellness Care - soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash/facial cleanser, dental care supplies
    • Air Quality & Water Filtration - indoor HVAC filters, water filter pitcher/faucet attachment, fan, air conditioner, space heater, humidifier

    Available at any approved retailer

    Bill Pay (General Supports for Living)
    • Rent
    • Mortgage
    • Electric
    • Natural gas
    • Heating oil
    • Sanitation
    • Water
    • Sewer
    • Internet
    • Phone Services
    • Government services (e.g., water bill paid to the city)

    Available at your local Walmart Customer Service desk or through the Bill Pay page found on the HealthyBenefitsPlus webpage

    Pest Control
    • Extermination Services

    Available at any pest control service provider that accepts Visa

    Assistive Devices
    • Grab bars
    • Raised toilet seats
    • Low vision aids
    • Reaching aids
    • Bedroom safety aids (e.g., bed rails, canes)

    Available at any approved retailer

    Pet Care & Supplies
    • Pet Food
    • Pet Toys
    • Litter
    • Flea Shampoo

    Available at any approved retailer

    Disaster Preparedness
    • Batteries
    • Weather Radios
    • Flashlights
    • Water
    • First aid
    • Bandages
    • Ponchos

    Available at any approved retailer

    Non-Medical Transportation
    • Public Transportation
    • Uber
    • Lyft
    • Taxi

    Available at any transportation service provider that accepts Visa.
  • How do I order a replacement card or use an electronic copy of my card?
    1. Replacement cards: You can receive a replacement card through the Healthy Benefits+ mobile app or by contacting Member Services.
    2. Electronic card: You can access an electronic copy of your card on the Healthy Benefits+ app. You will need your CareEssentials Card number when registering for the app. If you do not have it, you can contact Member Services to receive your complete card number.
  • How do I get the HealthyBenefits+ mobile app?

Use of Your Card

Your card is not a credit card but may be entered as “credit” to checkout. If prompted, your PIN is the last 4 digits of your card number. You can either use the card as “debit” and enter a PIN, or as “credit” and bypass the PIN. Products may not be available at every location. Your card is not accepted at ATMs and cannot be used to obtain cash. Any fees associated with transactions will be deducted from the allowance. Allowance amounts cannot be combined with other benefit allowances. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Please do not throw away your card and keep it safe. As long as you’re a CarePlus member, the card has a 5-year lifespan and should not be discarded. Please keep your card for next year so, if you are still eligible, we can load any future CareEssentials funds onto it CarePlus is not responsible for funds lost due to lost or stolen cards. Benefits listed here are part of a Medicare plan and end at the end of the calendar year.

Card is redeemable for specific goods and services at select merchants. Card may not be used for alcohol, tobacco and vaping products, firearms, lottery or gaming tickets. This Card is not redeemable for cash except as required by law. Call 1-855-396-0691 (TTY: 711) for balance. Issued by Citizens Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa® U.S.A. Inc. Distributed by Optum Financial, Inc. on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries. No Cash or ATM Access.