The Braven Health Smart Card represents a revolutionary approach to Medicare Advantage benefits management, combining multiple healthcare allowances into one convenient prepaid card system. Built in partnership by two of New Jersey’s most trusted health care leaders: Hackensack Meridian Health and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, this innovative benefit card is transforming how Medicare members access their supplemental benefits.
What is the Braven Health Smart Card?
The Braven Health Smart Card is a comprehensive benefits management tool that consolidates various Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits into a single, easy-to-use prepaid card. This innovative system allows members to access over-the-counter medications, grocery allowances, fitness benefits, and flexible spending options all through one streamlined platform.
Unlike traditional Medicare benefit systems that require reimbursement processes or complex approval procedures, the Braven Health Smart Card provides instant access to your allocated benefits at participating retailers and healthcare providers across New Jersey.
Key Benefits and Allowances
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits
Available allowances may include: Over-the-Counter (OTC) Allowance, which covers essential healthcare items like vitamins, pain relievers, cold medications, and first aid supplies. Members can shop for qualified OTC products at thousands of participating pharmacies and retailers without upfront costs.
Flex Allowance Program
You can use your Braven Health Smart Card to spend up to $275 every calendar year for items and services included in your Flex Allowance. This versatile benefit covers a wide range of health and wellness products, including medical equipment, mobility aids, and health monitoring devices.
Grocery Allowance Benefits
The grocery allowance feature helps members maintain proper nutrition by providing funds specifically allocated for healthy food purchases. To see if you are eligible for the Grocery Allowance, check the Braven Health Smart Card Member Guide that was mailed with your Braven Health Smart Card.
Fitness and Wellness Benefits
You can use your card to pay for a membership at any health club, yoga studio, or other fitness facility. The fitness benefit encourages active lifestyles by covering gym memberships, fitness classes, and exercise equipment purchases.
Eyewear Benefits
Eyewear Allowance (Braven Group members only) provides additional coverage for vision-related expenses, including prescription glasses, contact lenses, and eye care accessories.
How to Activate Your Braven Health Smart Card
There are 3 ways to activate your card. You must activate your card before using it. 1. Call 1-800-688-1140, (TTY 711) and select option 1. You will need your card number and expiration date to complete the activation process.
The three activation methods include phone activation, online portal registration, and mobile app activation. Each method provides secure access to your benefits while ensuring your personal information remains protected.
Managing Your Benefits Online
Registration is easy and takes only a few minutes to complete. Visit BravenSmartCard.com and indicate that you are a first-time user by clicking on Register Here on the Member Login screen. The online portal provides comprehensive account management features, including balance checking, transaction history, and benefit tracking.
The myTotal Benefits platform offers 24/7 access to your account information, allowing you to monitor spending, find participating retailers, and manage your various benefit allowances efficiently.
Who Is Eligible?
Braven Health, an affiliate of Horizon BCBSNJ, is a partnership between Horizon BCBSNJ, Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) and RWJBarnabas Health that offers Medicare Advantage plans in all New Jersey counties. All enrolled Braven Health Medicare Advantage members automatically receive the smart card as part of their comprehensive benefits package.
Network and Accessibility
The Braven Health Smart Card is accepted at thousands of participating retailers, pharmacies, and healthcare providers throughout New Jersey. The extensive network ensures members have convenient access to their benefits regardless of their location within the state.
Members can locate participating retailers through the online portal, mobile app, or by calling customer service for assistance with finding nearby locations that accept the smart card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions
Q: What allowances are included in my Braven Health Smart Card?
A: Your card may include multiple allowances depending on your specific plan: Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefits, Flex Allowance up to $275 annually, Grocery Allowance (if eligible), Fitness benefits, and Eyewear Allowance for Braven Group members.
Q: How do I activate my Braven Health Smart Card?
A: There are 3 ways to activate your card. You must activate your card before using it. 1. Call 1-800-688-1140, (TTY 711) and select option 1. You can also activate online at BravenSmartCard.com or through the myTotal Benefits mobile app.
Q: What number do I call if I have questions?
A: Contact customer service at 1-800-688-1140 (TTY 711) for assistance with your Braven Health Smart Card questions, activation, or technical support.
Q: How can I check my card balance?
A: Check your balance through the BravenSmartCard.com portal, the myTotal Benefits mobile app, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
Q: Does my Braven Health Smart Card expire?
A: Yes, your card has an expiration date printed on it. You’ll receive a replacement card before expiration to ensure uninterrupted access to your benefits.
Q: Do the funds on my card expire?
A: Benefit allowances typically reset annually or quarterly depending on the specific benefit type. Check your member guide or contact customer service for specific expiration details.
Activation and Registration
Q: How do I register to access my account on the online portal?
A: Registration is easy and takes only a few minutes to complete. Visit BravenSmartCard.com and indicate that you are a first-time user by clicking on Register Here on the Member Login screen. You’ll need your member information exactly as it appears on your ID card.
Q: Where do I get the Braven Health Smart Card Benefits app?
A: Download the myTotal Benefits app from your device’s app store. The app provides full account access and management capabilities on your smartphone or tablet.
Q: Who do I contact if I did not receive my card?
A: Contact Braven Health customer service immediately at 1-800-688-1140 to report a missing card and request a replacement.
Card Usage and Troubleshooting
Q: What do I do if my card is lost or stolen? A: Report lost or stolen cards immediately by calling customer service. They will deactivate the lost card and issue a replacement to protect your benefits.
Q: What do I do if my card is declined? A: Check your available balance first, ensure you’re purchasing eligible items, and verify you’re at a participating retailer. If problems persist, contact customer service for assistance.
Q: Will I get reimbursed for items I purchased because my Smart Card was declined?
A: Reimbursement policies vary depending on circumstances. Contact customer service to discuss your specific situation and available options.
Q: Can I add my own dollars to my Braven Health Smart Card?
A: No, you cannot add personal funds to your Braven Health Smart Card. The card only contains the benefit allowances provided by your Medicare Advantage plan.
Benefit-Specific Questions
Q: How do I use my Flex Allowance?
A: You can use your Braven Health Smart Card to spend up to $275 every calendar year for items and services included in your Flex Allowance. Log in at BravenSmartCard.com, or use the myTotal Benefits app to browse eligible items and find participating retailers.
Q: Where can I use my Fitness Benefit?
A: You can use your card to pay for a membership at any health club, yoga studio, or other fitness facility. Note that facilities requiring checking account information or upfront payments for multiple months may not accept the card.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible for the Grocery Benefit?
A: To see if you are eligible for the Grocery Allowance, check the Braven Health Smart Card Member Guide that was mailed with your Braven Health Smart Card. Eligibility varies by plan type.
Q: What items are covered under the OTC benefit?
A: OTC benefits typically cover vitamins, over-the-counter medications, first aid supplies, health monitoring devices, and other qualifying health and wellness products. Check the approved product catalog through your online account.
Technical Support
Q: What if the BravenSmartCard.com website isn’t working?
A: The website requires JavaScript to function properly. Ensure your browser has JavaScript enabled. If problems persist, try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser.
Q: Can I use my benefits if I’m traveling outside New Jersey?
A: While the card primarily serves New Jersey members, many national retailers and pharmacy chains may accept it. Check with customer service about using your card while traveling.
Q: How often do my benefit allowances reset?
A: Reset schedules vary by benefit type. Most allowances reset annually, while some OTC benefits may reset quarterly. Check your specific plan details or contact customer service for exact reset dates.
Conclusion
The Braven Health Smart Card represents a significant advancement in Medicare Advantage benefit management, offering New Jersey residents unprecedented convenience and access to their healthcare benefits. By consolidating multiple allowances into one easy-to-use card system, Braven Health has simplified the process of accessing supplemental Medicare benefits while maintaining comprehensive coverage options.
Whether you’re purchasing over-the-counter medications, maintaining an active lifestyle through fitness benefits, or managing your health with flexible allowance options, the Braven Health Smart Card provides the tools and resources needed to maximize your Medicare Advantage benefits effectively.