Ovations To Partner With Walgreens For Medicare Part D Drug Program; Relationship Enhances Consumer Focus And Capabilities For Older Americans

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 17, 2005--Ovations, a business unit of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH), announced today that it has selected Walgreen Co. and its subsidiary business, Walgreens Health Initiatives (WHI), as its partner for the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). Ovations is preparing to offer its Part D program in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. Ovations is the largest and most recognized business dedicated to the senior market, serving over 5 million older Americans today. This partnership represents an important component in the strong consumer orientation and value that Ovations will embed in its new offerings. Walgreens Health Initiatives will assist Ovations in delivering a Part D program that is highly customized for the Medicare population, including individuals enrolled in Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans, Special Needs Plans and employer-sponsored plans. Walgreens brings to the partnership an outstanding reputation for quality and customer service, and includes one of the largest networks of retail drug store locations in the nation, comprehensive prescription drug fulfillment capabilities, and state-of-the-art mail order services, all using unique technology capabilities that span these channels. Importantly, this combination enables consumers to seamlessly access the most appropriate and cost-effective fulfillment channels for their particular needs - whether that be traditional mail order, online order, or in person at a retail pharmacy.