NationsBenefits Partners with Dave’s Markets & Lucky’s Markets to Expand Food as Medicine Access for Ohio Communities

PLANTATION, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NationsBenefits®, the leading healthcare fintech, benefits and outcomes platform, announced a new partnership with Dave’s Markets and Lucky’s Markets Ohio, two long-standing, community-focused grocery retailers. This integration will make it even easier for eligible health plan members across Northeast Ohio to access nutritious groceries, OTC wellness items, and other essential goods.

Through this fintech integration, members can use their NationsBenefits Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Flex Card at participating locations, where purchases are automatically processed through NationsBenefits’ Basket Analyzer Service (BAS). The technology evaluates items in real time at checkout, eliminating the need for members to submit claims or receipts and ensuring a seamless shopping experience at the stores they already know and trust.

The collaboration strengthens the connection between everyday grocery shopping and broader community-focused nutrition strategies. Research continues to show that when people have reliable access to nutritious food, they are more engaged with preventive and outpatient care. A 2025 study published in the American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC) found that members who used their grocery benefit were 6.6% more likely to complete annual wellness visits, and 6.6% more likely to visit a specialist. These findings highlight how expanding access to healthy essentials through familiar community grocers can help promote better long-term health behaviors and outcomes.

“NationsBenefits is proud to partner with Dave’s Markets and Lucky’s Markets Ohio, two grocers that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve,” said Michael Parker, Co-CEO of NationsBenefits. “Making benefits simple to use in places where people already shop allows us to continue advancing Food as Medicine in a way that is practical and meaningful. This partnership helps members stay connected to the healthy essentials they need to support their overall well-being.”

For Dave’s Markets and Lucky’s Markets Ohio, the partnership reflects a continuation of their community-first approach.

“Our stores have always been about serving the neighborhood with familiar faces, quality products, and a straightforward shopping experience,” said David Saltzman, Vice President of Dave’s Markets and Lucky’s Markets Ohio. “Working with NationsBenefits allows us to deepen our support for local families and help ensure that more Ohioans can access nutritious foods with ease.”

Together, NationsBenefits, Dave’s Market and Lucky’s Markets aim to make healthy living more accessible by merging innovative benefits technology with the convenience and familiarity of trusted local retailers. The partnership strengthens everyday access to nutritious groceries, supports health-plan goals related to engagement and prevention, and reinforces the important role neighborhood stores play in community health.

About NationsBenefits

NationsBenefits® is a leading provider of supplemental benefits, fintech solutions, and outcome improvement solutions to the healthcare industry. NationsBenefits partners with managed care organizations to provide innovative healthcare, data analytics, gap closure, and fintech solutions aimed at driving growth, reducing costs, and delighting members. Combining its cutting-edge technology with targeted retailer partnerships, NationsBenefits empowers health plans to deliver impactful supplemental benefits to optimize member experiences and drive better health outcomes. By simplifying processes to make smarter choices and expanding access to benefits solutions, NationsBenefits aims to improve each of its members’ quality of life through its revolutionary and comprehensive suite of offerings. To learn more, visit NationsBenefits.com.

About Dave’s Markets and Lucky’s Markets

Dave’s was founded in the late 1920's when Alex, the first of five generations of a family of grocers, hung up the reins of his horse-drawn produce wagon and opened the first corner family store at 33rd and Payne Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. The store was named after Alex's son, David, who expanded it into a small grocery store. Burt, David's son, recognized that the store needed to accommodate the growing needs of its customers and expanded the store. Dan and Steve, Burt's sons, joined the Company, and with Burt, have helped to bring even greater expansion. In recent years, Dan's sons and the 5^th generation, David and Aaron, have also joined the Company and are working towards the continued success of the family business with the addition of new locations and the acquisition of the Lucky’s Market stores in Ohio. The Lucky's Market brand originated in 2003 in Boulder, Colorado and as of April 2020; ownership of two Ohio stores changed hands to the Saltzmans. The Saltzmans now operate 12 Dave’s Markets and 4 Lucky’s Markets in Ohio. The stores are all focused on service, freshness, and catering to the communities they serve.

*The Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. Card can be used for eligible expenses wherever Mastercard is accepted. Valid only in the U.S. No cash access.