Consumers can sign up for health insurance Oct. 1 at Rite Aid

While many drug store chains are educating customers about the soon-to-be-implemented Affordable Care Act (ACA), Rite Aid is taking the education a step further.

Starting October 1, Rite Aid will have independent, licensed health insurance agents available in its 2,000 stores. “With the implementation of the health insurance marketplace, our customers will now have many new choices to make in the coming enrollment period. We know they will look to Rite Aid for information and guidance, and that’s why we’re providing free resources in store and online to help them better understand the new requirements and options available to them under the law,” said John Standley, chairman and CEO of Rite Aid.

Rite Aid’s health insurance agent service coincides with the health insurance exchanges launch on October 1. Rite Aid will provide around 2,000 insurance agents in its stores through March 31, 2014. The store locations and hours the agents will be available will be publicized on October 1. Agents receive a commission when a plan is purchased, Ashley Flower, spokesperson for Rite Aid, told Drug Topics.

“We are anticipating our customers turning to us for information as they prepare to make the best health insurance choices for themselves and their families,” Flower said. Rite Aid is also providing other ACA resources, including an explanation of the Act and links to more information on its website.

“Every health insurance plan in the new marketplace will offer comprehensive coverage, from doctors to medications to hospital visits. You can compare all your insurance options based on price, benefits, quality, and other features that may be important to you, in plain language that makes sense,” Rite Aid stated on its website.

Rite Aid also has let its customers know that they can get more information about the plans available in their areas starting October 1. “You'll be able to enroll yourself, directly through the Healthcare.gov website, or call the toll-free phone hotline. Consumers can file online applications starting October 1, 2013. Coverage is to begin on January 1, 2014, when most Americans will be required to have insurance,” the retailer’s website stated.

In related news, CVS Caremark announced an outreach program designed to help consumers make health insurance decisions. The program will include retail events and brochure displays at more than 7,500 CVS/pharmacy stores and 650 MinuteClinic locations.