New Humana program rewards purchase of healthy groceries

The Washington Post ^ | 9/19/12 | Sarah Kliff

[ruralvoter]

As one of the country’s largest health-insurance companies, Humana regularly has a say in where its members seek care. Now it wants sway over what groceries they buy.

Humana announced a new partnership with Wal-Mart on Wednesday that will give the more than 1 million members of its wellness program, HumanaVitality, a 5 percent discount on healthy groceries.

The program, which will launch Oct. 15, is meant to steer customers toward healthier food choices and potentially push down health-care costs — while driving people into Wal-Mart stores.

The unusual partnership between a major insurer and major retailer speaks to insurers’ increased push to become involved in areas traditionally outside their purview.

[ruralvoter]

Nice. Business and government datamining our desserts. Next comes the fine, I mean tax.

[c-b 1]

Who defines what is healthy food?

It will be interesting to see a list of the "Healthy Foods."

[ruralvoter]

Healthy Food as defined by the wealthiest lobbyists now lining up around the block.

[2ndDivisionVet]

When you control my food you control me. I cannot live without nourishment.

[gleeaikin]

Not only is Walmart trying to take over public charter schools, but now the health insurance business!!

However, Humana has the right idea encouraging people to buy healthier foods. Will save them a bunch of money. Unfortunately, the various medical specialties and related associations—diabetes, heart, cancer are all pushing the drug solutions. I have been doing a lot of reading of Dr. Atkins books, and he has healed tens of thousands of people using nutrients and supplements as the major intervention. For example his very low carbohydrate Induction Diet, is almost the perfect treatment for prediabetic/diabetic states. But, the drug companies would go broke if they didn’t have to supply their insulin and other drugs to “cure” diabetes.

I am 5’5” and while caring for my late husband who had Alzheimers had ballooned up to 165 lbs. Trying to loose weight, I had dropped 10 lbs in one year. Then I discovered one of Atkins books, started the Induction Phase of his 4 phase diet plan. In 3 months I dropped another 27 lbs down to 128 lbs. Then I had to deal with several long term stressful situations again, got careless and crept back up to 150 lbs. I started the Atkins diet again on July 5th and am now down to 135 lbs. My young adult weight was 123 lbs., I don’t know if I will get that low, but hey, a lot of nice clothes fit me again. ;-)

[Irenic]

More and more control over us by government AND business. Feels like cattle being herded for profit. I feel caged.

[ruralvoter]

Thanks for the information. I’ve just finished reading “Wheat Belly” which has impacted my eating habits.

[Terry Mross]

Mark it up 5%. Then discount it 5% and claim you’re working for a healthier America.

[doug from upland]

For years I have been saying that insurance companies - private companies - can have a significant impact on the nation’s health in how they set premiums. I exercise regularly and take care of myself. I should pay far less money for insurance than someone who is 300 pounds and smokes. Or a gay male. If people could get a significant monetary benefit by eating right and staying in shape, we could begin to attack the obesity epidemic in this country.

[gattaca]

I used to do the Atkins Diet, worked out and felt great. Over the past few years I have regained the weight. I’m now trying to eat things that are fresh and in season, smaller portions of meat. It works as well.

[ruralvoter]

Your point of view makes sense. However, who determines what is “healthy eating” and how is it monitored? With Obamacare, our entire daily routine will be datamined for nefarious reasons. Do you trust the government to monitor your life on this level?

[Right Wing Assault]

I’m going to genetically modify tomato plants to produce “all-natural organic” Twinkies. I’ll eat them with a nice salad of “all-natural organic” T. radicans leaves.

[doug from upland]

I share the concern about government. The one thing I would like to see happen is that food stamps can only be used for certain items — no alcohol, cigarettes, candy, etc. If we are paying for them, we have that right. The insurance company does not have to regulate food —— just results of staying in shape to lower their costs.