In a move to enhance in-home care and support services, The Helper Bees has partnered with Lynx, setting a new standard in the Medicare Advantage landscape. This collaboration introduces the helpful™, a flexible benefit card that provides access to over-the-counter (OTC) products, groceries, and a nationwide network of vetted Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) service providers through a single integrated card and e-commerce experience

The Evolution of In-Home Care Services 

Historically, The Helper Bees has been a key player in the service wallet space, where health plans such as Humana, United, and Blue Cross Blue Shield allocate funds to support various in-home services. Members could use these allocated credits or cash to access services like grab bars or handyman installations. However, the process often involved navigating separate systems and providers, which could be cumbersome and inefficient. 

The partnership marks a significant shift from this traditional approach. What sets helpful™ apart from traditional flexible spending cards is its ability to offer members unmatched convenience and choice through a single multi-functional card, powered by Lynx's innovative technology. Along with access to over 60,000 retail locations, including major pharmacy and grocery chains, and coverage for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses related to dental, vision, and hearing, helpful™ goes further.  

Lynx's integration allows helpful™ to seamlessly connect members to The Helper Bees' nationwide network of over 20,000 vetted, quality SDoH service providers—all in one seamless transaction. 

Why This Partnership Matters 

The collaboration is more than just an integration of services; it represents a strategic enhancement to the Medicare Advantage experience. Lynx shares The Helper Bees’ mission to close gaps in care by improving accessibility, affordability, and engagement for members. 

Key Benefits: 

For Members: 

• Convenience and Choice: Access a wide range of services and products through a single multi-functional card. 

• Simplified Experience: Lynx’s expertise in healthcare payment solutions and e-commerce platforms eliminates the complexity of managing multiple systems and providers. 

• Easy Access: Members and their caregivers can easily browse, shop, and schedule in-home services such as personal care, housekeeping, meal delivery, and transportation from The Helper Bees Provider Network. 

For Payers (including Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, Long-term Care Insurance carriers):  

• Improved Administrative Efficiency: Consolidates provider relationships into a single network, streamlining management and oversight of service delivery. 

• Effective Fund Allocation: Allows efficient allocation of funds, maximizing utilization without additional costs. 

• Customizable Options: Payers can tailor available choices to meet specific plan requirements and budget constraints. 

• Advanced Reporting Features: Provides critical SKU-level reporting for precise tracking and utilization, essential for Medicare Advantage plans. 

As OTC benefits become increasingly important in Medicare Advantage, this collaboration sets a new standard for personalized, accessible, and high-quality care. The Lynx team looks forward to modernizing the way supplemental benefits are delivered, making access to essential services and products more seamless and efficient.  

Read the full product announcement on the helpful™ Flex Card here. To learn more about how Lynx can streamline your health plan with a single partner, consolidate your benefits, and enhance the member experience while reducing costs, visit lynx-fh.com today.