Wal-Mart, Humana Partner for Healthy Food Discount

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores here on Wednesday said it has launched a partnership with a subsidiary and health insurance concern Humana to offer a 5% discount on certain healthful foods.

Beginning on Oct. 15, the retail giant will offer the discount to shoppers who are members of the HumanaVitality healthy living program. Products covered include produce and low-fat dairy and are labeled with Wal-Mart’s Great For You icon (pictured below).

This program continues an effort Wal-Mart began in 2011 when it unveiled a commitment to make healthier food more affordable and accessible.

“Price is an important factor in incentivizing wellness in America. By offering affordable, healthier foods, we will help make our customers healthier and reduce costs to our healthcare system as a whole,” said John Agwunobi, M.D., president of health and wellness, Walmart U.S. “We want to be our customers’ wellness destination – the retailer that provides them with affordable ways to fight for their health.”

Joe Woods, chief executive officer of HumanaVitality, added, “The ‘Vitality HealthyFood’ program with Wal-Mart represents a new way we can decrease America’s health care bill.”

He said 84% of HumanaVitality members said that a savings program would motivate them to purchase healthier foods. The program has more than 1 million members.

“We will be aggressively communicating this program to more than 600,000 hospitals and physicians, as well as 60,000 insurance brokers to ensure as many members as possible can benefit from it,” Woods said.

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