Bentonville tech startup partners with Kroger on health, nutrition program

Kroger Health, the healthcare division of retail giant The Kroger Co., and Bentonville-based technology startup Soda Health are partnering on a new program.

According to a Thursday (Dec. 7) news release, Smart Benefits combines Kroger Health’s services with Soda Health’s trademarked “&more” software platform. It allows participating Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and employer benefits program recipients to receive certain pharmacy, nutrition services and other eligible benefits at Kroger pharmacies, in addition to purchasing eligible food and over-the-counter health items.

Launched in 2021 by former Walmart Inc. executives, Soda Health targets health plan inefficiencies and billions of dollars in wasted benefits by increasing access to needed benefits and adapting them to changing needs.

According to the release, the benefit resources funded by insurance plans are accessed through Soda Health’s “&more” debit card to make it easier to purchase nutritious foods and healthcare services at participating retailers. Additionally, the “&more” debit card can be used to pay for transportation for medical appointments or even personal utility bills.

“The Smart Benefits program within Soda Health’s &more platform will provide more people with the tools and information they need to make better, healthier choices,” James Kirby, chief commercial officer of Kroger Health, said in the release. “We know food has such a large impact on health outcomes for our customers and patients. By improving access to healthy, affordable food and other health resources, we are working toward truly changing the way America eats.”

The program offers personalized health recommendations, including reminders about health screenings, vaccines, prescription refills, and suggestions for medical supplies such as glucose monitors.

“Together, Soda Health and Kroger Health are enabling localized and personalized healthcare to customers,” said Robby Knight, co-founder and CEO of Soda Health. “We chose to collaborate with Kroger Health to share the prominent role that Food as Medicine plays in health care. Through their services, including OptUp and registered dietitians, they are working to empower people to make choices that will impact their overall wellbeing.”