Big Insurers To Begin Paying for Care at Retail Clinics

Also on the topic of retail clinics, the Wall Street Journal recently reported that the uninsured are not the only ones seeking treatment at health retail clinics. The insured population are utilizing these clinics but are demanding reimbursement from insurers. According to the Convenient Care Association, between 40% and 50% of care sought at these retail clinics is covered by health insurance. This has resulted in health insurers negotiating provider contracts with health retail clinics. This week, Cigna HealthCare (Cigna) joined several other large insurers that have negotiated provider network contracts with Take Care Health Systems (Take Care), a wholly owned subsidiary of Walgreen Co. Aetna, Humana and UnitedHealthcare and the Medicare program have all negotiated contracts with retail clinics across the country.