MinuteClinic becomes participating provider in all CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield plans

MINNEAPOLIS MinuteClinic is now a participating provider in insurance plans offered by CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., the company announced on Wednesday.

Nearly 3.4 million CareFirst members now have in-network access to MinuteClinic healthcare centers located inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in Maryland and portions of northern Virginia in the CareFirst service area.

Previously, MinuteClinic was a participating provider with CareFirst's preferred provider and federal employee plans in Maryland only.

"This is an important development in the growth of our business in Maryland and northern Virginia as we expand access to care to new customers," stated Chip Phillips, MinuteClinic president. "By offering high-quality treatment in a convenient setting, we are working with CareFirst to help reduce healthcare insurance expenses for its members, as well as time spent away from members' families and the workplace."

MinuteClinic, which is owned by CVS Caremark, has about 500 locations in 25 states.