Last time I checked, health insurance covered more than Rx and bandages. And wouldn't they be biased to sell the plan with the greatest Rx margin? They'll be out the day the first lawsuit comes as a result of their advice.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/natio...nce-exchange/2011/11/04/gIQARXjYqM_story.html
Less obvious health industry groups also have a big interest in how the Obama administration sets the rules.
That includes pharmacy chain CVS Caremark, which has 7,200 drug stores across the country. The company has petitioned the Obama administration for rules that would allow its employees, such as pharmacists and nurse practitioners, help consumers navigate the exchange and purchase health insurance.
Part of it, the company explains, has to do with its history: when Medicare's prescription drug benefit came online in 2006, CVS assisted seniors with enrollment through a program called "Medicare Tuesdays." Pharmacists would set up laptops and, using a senior's prescription history, help them pick the appropriate plan.
But it's not just goodwill that has gotten CVS interested: the pharmacy chain believes it will increase consumer trust, leading to stronger sales in drug stores.
"We very much see ourselves playing in that space," said Helena Foulkes, CVS's chief health care strategy and marketing officer. "There's a business value to it: If we're seen as a helpful partner, we can drive more business to our stores."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/natio...nce-exchange/2011/11/04/gIQARXjYqM_story.html
Less obvious health industry groups also have a big interest in how the Obama administration sets the rules.
That includes pharmacy chain CVS Caremark, which has 7,200 drug stores across the country. The company has petitioned the Obama administration for rules that would allow its employees, such as pharmacists and nurse practitioners, help consumers navigate the exchange and purchase health insurance.
Part of it, the company explains, has to do with its history: when Medicare's prescription drug benefit came online in 2006, CVS assisted seniors with enrollment through a program called "Medicare Tuesdays." Pharmacists would set up laptops and, using a senior's prescription history, help them pick the appropriate plan.
But it's not just goodwill that has gotten CVS interested: the pharmacy chain believes it will increase consumer trust, leading to stronger sales in drug stores.
"We very much see ourselves playing in that space," said Helena Foulkes, CVS's chief health care strategy and marketing officer. "There's a business value to it: If we're seen as a helpful partner, we can drive more business to our stores."
