Walgreens working with Blue Shield of California on personalized efforts
Walgreens and Blue Shield of California are teaming up with a focus on lowering health costs, expanding health access and adding innovative services for Blue Shield members and California Communities.
The companies said the partnership would initially focus on Walgreens Health Corner services, a personalized offering for Blue Shield commercial members. Walgreens’ Health Corner locations will include such health advisors as pharmacists, dietitians or nurses who will assist with health, nutrition, fitness and disease management care coordination.
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“Walgreens is excited to join forces with Blue Shield of California for this community health effort,” said Vish Sankaran, Walgreens Boots Alliance chief innovation officer. “Blue Shield has a long-standing history of transforming health care for their members and beyond. By leveraging our trusted retail pharmacy locations, deep healthcare experience, and community relationships, together we are uniquely positioned to bridge gaps in care for many Californians to create a more seamless and convenient consumer experience.”
Blue Shield members in eligible plans will have access to blood pressure screenings, A1C blood tests and mammography care coordination, as well as take-home health screening tests with in-person assistance about how to complete the kits. Health advisors will also be available to help members set up digital health applications on their mobile devices. The first phase of the partnership is set to kick off later this year, with the aim of expanding Blue Shield’s service offerings to help close gaps in care for its members at Walgreens stores, virtually and at home in early 2022.
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“We are thrilled to announce this collaboration with Walgreens because of our shared goal to reimagine health care,” said Peter Long, executive vice president of strategy and health solutions at Blue Shield of California. “Together, we are transforming health care by launching innovative, high-touch, personalized, and holistic solutions for members and Californians with the ultimate goal of providing enhanced access to care that is worthy of our family and friends and sustainably affordable.”
Blue Shield is currently undertaking its Health Reimagined strategy, which is focused on transforming health care for people, families and communities. Health Reimagined has tested, piloted and scaled innovations to improve access to care via various collaborations with leaders in health, tech and community-based organizations.