Humana and Walgreens to provide easier access to primary care and other services for seniors

Leading health and well-being company Humana Inc. and Walgreens, a provider of trusted pharmacy services and care in communities since 1901, are teaming up to provide easier access to primary care and other services for seniors, as part of the companies' ongoing and shared commitment to the health and well-being of the Kansas City community.

The collaboration will establish a senior-focused neighborhood approach to health that brings together primary care, pharmacy, in-person health plan support and other services for Medicare beneficiaries. The companies indicated they could possibly look to expand their collaboration into other markets over time.

Through the joint effort, Partners in Primary Care, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Humana, will operate senior-focused primary care clinics inside two Walgreens stores in the Kansas City, Missouri area. The conveniently located clinics, scheduled to open this fall, will be approximately 2,500 square feet, and will complement Walgreens pharmacy services, as well as the four Partners in Primary Care centers that opened in Kansas City in 2017. All of the clinics serve seniors participating in a number of Medicare plans. Partners in Primary Care offers care services that go beyond addressing acute and immediate health issues, and focuses on developing long-term relationships with patients living with chronic conditions.

The parties will also work together to provide in-store health navigation in select Walgreens in the Kansas City metro area. Humana representatives will be available in these stores to assist Humana Medicare members, and other customers, with information and assistance in accessing a range of health-related services. From conducting diabetes education to identifying local community support groups and finding a new senior fitness class, a holistic approach to customers' health will be available at no cost, and close to home.

The collaboration builds on both companies' commitment to helping seniors live healthier lives, and it extends Humana's and Walgreens health care services and consumer support capabilities in the area. Humana currently offers health-related programming and resources to its more than 65,000 Medicare Advantage and Medicare stand-alone Part D Prescription Drug plan members in the area. Walgreens supports more than 75,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the Kansas City community through more than 50 neighborhood pharmacies and other points of care.

"At Humana, we're continually working to create a simpler, better experience that encourages people to engage in their health in close alliance with their doctors, and we're pleased to partner with Walgreens in this endeavor to help individuals in the Kansas City area achieve their best health," said Bruce Broussard, Humana president and CEO. "This unique partnership supports Humana's multi-faceted approach to health care in this community and is a continuation of our senior-focused care strategy which is centered on integrating care through clinical programs that intersect health and lifestyle."

The co-location of primary care clinics as part of the partnership complements Walgreens expanded pharmacy services and expertise, digital tools and resources, and numerous programs and initiatives aimed at helping seniors in the community. It is another way in which Walgreens is working to bring affordable health care services to customers to provide a differentiated patient experience.

"We continue to develop new and innovative models to bring health care services closer to our customers, and deliver the trusted care our communities have come to expect from Walgreens," said Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and CEO, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. "With this new initiative, we can expand the care for seniors that our pharmacists and other team members have provided for decades. I am confident that this collaboration will be a great example of the power of strategic partnership in providing better health care services in the communities we both serve."

Walgreens and Humana will also look to extend certain services and resources across online and digital channels, to provide more 24/7 access.

The two Partners in Primary Care Clinics will operate inside Walgreens stores at 2630 NE Vivion Rd., Kansas City, MO and 9300 E Gregory Blvd., Raytown, MO.