• by P.J. Bednarski  @pjbtweet, November 25, 2019

UnitedHealthCare will open Medicare service centers in 14 Walgreens stores in five states next year that will serve as ways UHC subscribers —  or prospective ones — can get information about the ins and outs of Medicare and UHC supplemental insurance plans.

The centers will be located in Las Vegas, Cleveland, Phoenix, Memphis and Denver. They won’t be medical clinics, but more like consultancies for new Medicare and Medicare Advantage enrollees.

“Walgreens' collaboration with UnitedHealthcare helps people navigate their healthcare options and provides convenient access to affordable care,” said Rick Gates, senior vice president, pharmacy and healthcare, Walgreens, in a statement.

Walgreens is also putting its name to a new United Healthcare AARP Medicare Advantage plan, which it says can lower drug costs and make access to medications easier — though enrollees are not required to use Walgreens for their prescriptions.

The companies say the new plans feature benefits available through most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans including dental and vision coverage, and Renew Active, a fitness program.
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In 2015, Walgreens opened a series of walk-in clinics, but last month it announced it would close 150 of them, while keeping 200 it operates with other healthcare providers. Next year, the drug chain, with 9,227 locations nationwide, will be partnering with Jenny Craig weight loss centers in 100 stores.