Safeway Partners With Health Care Insurers On New Medicare Prescription Drug Education Program
Pleasanton, CA - Safeway Inc. announced recently a new strategic alliance with four health care insurers to assist Safeway customers with information about the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. Partners include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Health Net of Arizona, and UnitedHealth Group. In addition, Safeway and Safeway-owned pharmacies will carry information about the health care insurers' own prescription plans designed especially for the Medicare Part D program.
"We are very proud to have developed a relationship with this group of highly respected insurers. Our customers will greatly benefit from the services and information that they offer," said David Fong, Safeway Senior Vice President, Pharmacy.
Working with the health care insurers to enhance the services available under Medicare Part D, Safeway pharmacies will co-sponsor educational outreach, including one-on-one consultations and health care literature, at most pharmacy locations.
Safeway operates 1,138 in-store pharmacies. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas will provide these services to customers at the company's Tom Thumb and Randalls stores in Texas. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois will provide these services to customers at Dominick's Finer Foods in Chicago and surrounding areas. Customers of Safeway stores in Arizona will receive the services from Health Net of Arizona. UnitedHealth Group will assist customers at stores under all Safeway banners, including those previously mentioned, as well as at the Vons, Pavilions, Genuardi's, Carrs and Pak ‘n Save stores.
Due to the large number of prescription drug plan options available to beneficiaries, such guidance is vital to help ensure that they understand the new coverage and are prepared to make an informed decision.
These strategic alliances are designed to better serve Medicare Part D participants and help them understand changes that will become effective January 1, 2007 in their prescription drug coverage.
SOURCE: SAFEWAY