Walgreen Plans Network of On-Site Health Centers for Corporate, Government Employees
Drugstore chain Walgreen is planning to target corporate and government employers with a new program that would establish on-site health centers for employees, the Wall Street Journal reports. Participating employees would be able to receive preventive care, checkups and other services, such as dentistry and optometry, while at work. Health clinics at Walgreen stores would be available for basic services beyond business hours. According to the Journal, the services Walgreen intends to offer are more extensive than those offered through in-store clinics at other pharmacies.
Walgreen also would offer discounted prescriptions at its pharmacies and a 15% discount on Walgreen's private-label products. According to the Journal, family members of a covered employee, as well as retirees, would be eligible for services. The company is expected to announce the program on Wednesday at an annual shareholder meeting. Walgreen already has reached agreements with employees of El Paso County in Colorado and Maricopa County in Arizona.
The chain "expects to appeal to employers by offering a clearer pricing structure than other health care programs, which frequently sell bundled services or prescription plans," according to the Journal. Walgreen executives said customers will know in advance how much they are paying for drugs or services.
Walgreen President Gregory Wasson said, "Everyone today is looking to control health care costs" and the program "can be a big part of helping to reform health care in this country." He also said Walgreen is not trying to compete with health insurers or pharmacy benefit managers, and the company might be contracting with both to provide services (Merrick, Wall Street Journal, 1/14).
