As the administration of flu and shingles shots, blood pressure monitoring, and more has moved out of the doctor’s office and into local pharmacies, pharmacies statewide have experienced an influx of consumers. The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program and Senior Medicare Patrol (HICAP/SMP) have jumped on this outreach opportunity to create partnerships with pharmacies across the state as a way to reach more Medicare beneficiaries. This partnership program is known as HIP – Health In Pharmacies.
One of the pharmacies we’re working closely with is Walgreens. We currently have HIP outreach information tables in 4 Walgreens stores in San Bernardino and Riverside counties and aim to grow this partnership throughout California. HICAP/SMP volunteers set up info tables at least once a month at these sites (such as on “senior day” which is the 1st Tuesday of the month) to hand out brochures, answer general questions and refer people to their local HICAP/SMP programs for one-on-one assistance with health insurance questions and concerns. Through HIP, we provide beneficiaries with basic information regarding Medicare and how to protect themselves against potential senior fraud.
This program is already a great success in the 4 participating stores and we look forward to expanding. HIP creates a win/win/win opportunity for Walgreens, HICAP/SMP and beneficiaries as Walgreens is able to provide a community service to their customers, HICAP/SMP can educate more people about fraud, fraud prevention and Medicare information, AND customers can benefit from a one-stop shop experience in getting their medications and helpful information on health care coverage and fraud prevention.
If you are interested in learning more about this program and/or have questions about Medicare fraud, contact our Senior Medicare Patrol at 855-613-7080. For information and questions on Medicare, contact your local HICAP online or by calling 800-434-0222. Also view the Medicare Topics section of our website.
