Would you buy health insurance at Walgreens?

The Editors of Prevention

A growing number of retail clinics have popped up in the last five years or so at grocery stores, pharmacies, and shopping centers across the country. As soon as this fall, you may even be able to buy health insurance from these retail clinics that would cover the cost of your visit.

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While you can already buy private health insurance from services such as ehealthinsurance.com, Take Care Health Systems in Walgreens is being rumored to begin partnering with some of the nation's largest health insurers to let customers shop for insurance with different price ranges and coverage options at their local pharmacy. And with millions more people entering the health care system when universal health insurance is mandated in 2014, there may be even more money serving as an incentive for retailers to tap into the growing market of consumers looking to buy insurance.

Walgreens won't confirm or deny whether they'll start selling health insurance to customers. "We're looking at a number of options in light of health care reform as we continue to seek ways to help our customers better navigate today's health care system," says Gabriel Weissman, a spokesman for Take Care Health Systems in Walgreens.

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In the meantime, here are some services you can currently get at most Walgreens health clinics where you don't need an appointment, can check wait times online, and most major insurance plans are accepted:

  • Preventative care options, such as vaccines, flu shots, and blood pressure screenings

  • Treatment for illnesses such as mono, strep throat, shingles, and more

  • Care for non-serious injuries like sprained ankles

  • Minor procedures such as skin tag and wart removal



Tell us: Would you consider buying health insurance from a retail clinic?

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