Amerigroup Collaborates with CVS Pharmacy to Increase Access to Health Products Beginning January 2019

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Amerigroup in Arizona announced today that, beginning January 2019, consumers enrolled in its Medicare Advantage health plans will be able to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medications and health-related products at CVS Pharmacy stores using their health plan’s allowance. The addition of CVS Pharmacy to Amerigroup’s network of OTC retailers is part of the company’s continued commitment of making healthcare simpler for consumers and improving their health and well-being.

“Creating an enhanced healthcare experience for consumers in Arizona and giving them easier access to the products and services that aid individuals in leading healthier lives requires us to develop meaningful solutions for those enrolled in our plans,” said Josh Martin, President of Amerigroup’s Medicare West Region. “We are pleased to work together with CVS Pharmacy because we share the common goal of helping individuals manage their health in more effective ways. We believe that collaborations like this can make a tremendous difference for consumers who often are managing chronic medical conditions.”

With more than 150 stores in Arizona, CVS Pharmacy provides a convenient shopping option for consumers enrolled in Amerigroup’s Medicare Advantage plans. CVS Pharmacy carries a wide assortment of products and solutions that help consumers get well and stay well, including first aid supplies, support braces, pain relievers, and more. To use their OTC allowance at CVS Pharmacy, individuals must purchase the OTC medications and health-related items in-store.

“CVS Pharmacy is pleased to partner with Amerigroup to offer plan consumers increased access to the products they need to care for themselves,” said Hank Casillas, Division Vice President, CVS Pharmacy. “This collaboration ensures that Amerigroup Medicare Advantage plan consumers are able to purchase medications and other health-related products at one of our more than 150 of CVS Pharmacy locations in Arizona, helping them achieve their best health.”

Many of Amerigroup’s 2019 Medicare Advantage plans offer a significant OTC allowance – as much as $50 per quarter. These types of benefits can be important to older adults who are often on a fixed income. According to the Social Security Administration, nearly a quarter of married seniors and four out of 10 unmarried older adults rely on their Social Security benefit, which averages just over $1,400 a month, for at least 90 percent of their income.

Amerigroup also collaborates with other retailers to give consumers increased access to OTC medications and health-related products through the use of a plan’s OTC allowance. If a consumer would like to use one of these other retailers, the company will work with him/her to find the option that best fits his/her needs.

Amerigroup Texas, Inc. is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Amerigroup Texas, Inc. is an HMO DSNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid program. Amerigroup Texas, Inc. is an HMO CSNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid program. Amerigroup Texas, Inc. is an HMO ISNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid program.

About Amerigroup

Amerigroup is part of the Anthem Government Business Division (GBD). Through the GBD, Anthem serves 7.4 million seniors, people with disabilities, low-income families and other state and federally sponsored beneficiaries, and National Government Services enrollees (including the Federal Employee Program) in 26 states, making us one of the nation’s leading providers of health care solutions for public programs. Amerigroup accepts all eligible people regardless of age, sex, race or disability.

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