It is a known fact that medical services, as well as medicines, supplements, and other health products, are somewhat difficult to afford for low-income families in the United States. Since good health is paramount to a standard level of well-being, businesses like Walgreens have become important to neighborhoods in any part of the world.
Currently, Walgreens Company is positioned as the second-largest drugstore chain in the United States, trailing only CVS Health. Because of this, people often wonder whether Walgreens accepts the SNAP program as a viable payment method.
Does Walgreens accept EBT?
Walgreens is enrolled in the SNAP program so the answer could be yes; however, EBT cards are not accepted at all Walgreens locations. Remember, the business must be enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to use your EBT card at a pharmacy or grocery store.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a state-provided service. Each Walgreens location must be approved to distribute the benefits assigned by the state of its location. Since not all Walgreens pharmacies are approved, EBT payments would be impossible at those unapproved stores.
Walgreens pharmacies sell medicines and medical supplements; furthermore, it is an establishment where to purchase healthy and nutritionally balanced food. Hence, Wallgreens qualifies as an establishment where you can buy food.
We recommend that you ask if the store is SNAP-approved before you shop. Fortunately, the state program already approves most Walgreens pharmacies.
Does Walgreens accept EBT as an online payment method?
Although EBT cards work the same way as debit or credit cards at retail locations, they are not accepted as a payment method for online purchases.
EBT cards are not to be confused with debit cards. They are a financial assistance tool for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide to families in need of better nutrition.
Therefore, you cannot generate purchases on the Walgreens website or app supported by your EBT card.
Will I be able to pay with an EBT card in Walgreens online?
A USDA EBT pilot program is being developed to implement an online payment system so EBT card holders can make purchases online at SNAP-accepted locations. This program was launched in 2019. Therefore, it is still very recent, and few companies have this platform in their payment systems.
This does not mean that it is not possible; every day, it is taking more and more ground among companies, so it is very likely that, in the future, electronic payment with your EBT card will be possible.
What can I buy with my EBT Card in Walgreens?
At each Walgreens store, different services are available, from formula tests, medicine sales, medical services, food sales, and photosystems.
Since the EBT card’s original purpose is to cover families’ basic nutritional needs, you are not allowed to purchase all kinds of items, even if they are all at Walgreens.
The items that can be paid for with your EBT card at Walgreens will be anything related to nutrition, i.e., protein bars, cereals, fruits and vegetables, protein powders and animal protein, snacks, soft or energy drinks, and dairy products.
On the other hand, you cannot purchase prescription medications, vitamins, alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, photography services, or any household cleaning and personal hygiene services.
It would be best to remember that EBT cards are not debit or credit cards. They are a nutritional financial aid to help better nutrition at a national level; therefore, their functions only include food purchases.