Rite Aid dispenses prescriptions for health insurance exchange enrollees

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is providing prescriptions at no upfront cost to customers who have enrolled in the health insurance marketplaces, but have not received an ID number, the retail pharmacy chain said.

The company said that during the month of January, it would dispense a 15- to 30-day supply of many medications to customers who bring in confirmation of their enrollment until their prescription coverage details are available. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, took full effect Wednesday.

"Every pharmacist knows how important it is for people to take their medications as prescribed, without any interruption," Rite Aid EVP pharmacy Robert Thompson said. "Each year, Rite Aid pharmacy teams work with and help guide customers through first-of-the-year insurance plan changes, and that's especially true this year, as we know that those newly enrolled may have questions or concerns about their prescription coverage."