The biggest pharmacies in the U.S. are partnering with the Obama administration to promote Obamacare health insurance plans, officials announced Thursday.
Walgreens is including information about the Affordable Care Act on prescription bag receipts. Rite Aid is directing its “wellness ambassadors” to answer shoppers’ questions about healthcare.gov and refer them to the website where they can buy a plan.
And CVS Health is allowing people who buy Obamacare plans to pay their monthly premium at any of the chain’s nearly 8,000 locations around the country. The service is aimed at people who may struggle to pay their bill online or via check if they don’t have a checking account.
“We are proud to have thousands of trusted pharmacists and pharmacies working to reach millions of consumers with the information and resources they need to enroll in quality, affordable health coverage this open enrollment,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell. “This strong participation is further indication that businesses are investing in open enrollment because they believe it is good for their business and for their customers.”
Other companies or groups assisting HHS’ outreach efforts include Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Thrifty White Pharmacy and the National Community Pharmacists Association. Enrollment in the healthcare law’s insurance marketplaces began Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 31. To get coverage starting New Year’s Day, consumers must sign up by Tuesday.
The administration has been getting healthcare activists and providers on board to help notify those without employer-sponsored coverage that they can buy a plan on the marketplaces and possibly qualify for federal subsidies to make it more affordable.
The pharmacy chains partnering with HHS operate more than 38,000 pharmacies around the country, federal officials said. Besides providing information to shoppers, the pharmacies are providing trained assisters to help customers sign up and hosting local enrollment events.
