Blue Shield of California, Walgreens to Partner on Wellness Services

In one of its largest partnerships with a payer to date, Walgreens is collaborating with Blue Shield of California to offer health care services to the insurer’s members.

The services will focus on “condition management and whole-person care,” according to a Blue Shield statement, and give members in eligible plans access to blood-pressure screenings, administration of A1C blood tests and mammography care coordination at Walgreens Health Corner locations. Pharmacists, dietitians or nurses will be available to offer health, nutrition and disease-management advice.

The program, which will begin late this year, is designed to expand access to primary care services in nontraditional, community-based settings by providing in-store, at-home and virtual care services to eligible Blue Shield members in early 2022. Blue Shield appears to be betting that these increased access points will help curb spending on downstream services, while the increased foot traffic would bring new revenue streams to Walgreens.

Walgreens is also collaborating with provider organizations to expand its virtual care services. The company recently announced a five-year strategic collaboration with Northwell Health to have the system deliver telehealth services to Walgreens retail clinics in New York. The deal also calls for Walgreens to offer in-network pharmacy services for Northwell staff.

Northwell Health and Walgreens are also exploring a retail health clinic collaboration at select Walgreens stores in the tri-state area, which would create additional access to primary care, particularly in underserved areas.