Walgreens Offers No-Cost Rapid COVID-19 and Flu Testing to Military Veterans

Rhea-AI Summary

Walgreens (WBA) has expanded its partnership with the CDC to offer no-cost rapid COVID-19 and flu testing to military veterans at stores nationwide. The service provides combination tests with results in 30 minutes or less. Veterans can schedule appointments online or walk in, requiring only self-attestation of veteran status and either symptoms or recent COVID-19 exposure. The program includes follow-up care referrals to VA Health Connect and pharmacist consultation for positive cases. Uninsured patients can also access free testing through this CDC program. Since partnering with CDC in 2020, Walgreens has administered over 37 million COVID-19 tests.

Positive

• Partnership with CDC expands customer base through veteran access
• Additional revenue stream through government-funded testing program
• Cross-selling opportunity through pharmacy services and prescription delivery

Negative

• None.

Insights

Healthcare Policy Analyst

This initiative, while beneficial for veterans, has minimal direct financial impact on Walgreens' bottom line. The program is part of a government partnership where costs are likely subsidized, representing a continuation of existing COVID-19 testing services rather than a new revenue stream. With 37 million COVID-19 tests administered since 2020, this expansion to veterans maintains Walgreens' position in healthcare services but doesn't significantly alter its business model or financial outlook.

The $5.99 same-day prescription delivery service mentioned could generate incremental revenue, but the primary value lies in strengthening Walgreens' relationship with federal healthcare agencies and expanding its patient base. For investors, this represents a strategic positioning move rather than a material financial catalyst.

No-cost testing services are now available at stores across the country as part of expanded partnership with the CDC and HHS

DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- To help improve access to fast, reliable testing for veterans, Walgreens is now offering no-cost testing through a partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).* Eligible veterans will be able to receive an easy combination test for COVID-19 and influenza at Walgreens locations across the country throughout this year’s respiratory season, with results in 30 minutes or less.** No-cost COVID-19 and flu testing will also continue to be available at Walgreens for uninsured patients via the CDC program.

Patient prepares to receive test from pharmacist (Photo: Business Wire)

Patients who self-attest as veterans can schedule a testing appointment by visiting Walgreens.com/Testing, using the Walgreens app or simply walking into their local Walgreens. Individuals must be symptomatic or have been recently exposed to COVID-19 to be eligible for no-cost testing under this program.

“We are proud to work with the CDC to provide critical access to care for veterans,” said Anita Patel, vice president, pharmacy services development, Walgreens. “It is crucial that individuals experiencing symptoms or dealing with a potential exposure can know with greater confidence if they are positive so they can quickly take the necessary steps towards recovery and protect those around them – especially while traveling or gathering with loved ones this holiday season.”

Following their testing appointment, veterans will be referred to VA Health Connect for follow-up care, regardless of test results. For individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or flu, Walgreens pharmacists can help patients manage symptoms, advise them on treatment and care options, and dispense treatment prescribed as appropriate, if eligible. Same Day Prescription Delivery is available for $5.99 at locations nationwide with no membership required. Customers can also get over-the-counter medicine cabinet essentials delivered in as little as 1 hour.

Walgreens has a long-standing commitment to supporting veterans with essential healthcare needs and works closely with the CDC, HHS and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to close gaps in care and provide preventative services. Walgreens partnered with the CDC in 2020 to develop a COVID-19 testing network. Since then, Walgreens has provided over 37 million COVID-19 tests to patients across the country.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the U.S. Retail Pharmacy and U.S. Healthcare segments of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader. True to its purpose of “more joyful lives through better health,” Walgreens has a more than 120-year heritage of caring for communities and providing trusted pharmacy services, and today is playing a greater role as an independent partner of choice offering healthcare services that improve care, lower costs, and help patients. Operating nearly 9,000 retail locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Walgreens is proud to serve nearly 9 million customers and patients daily. The company’s pharmacists are playing a more critical role in healthcare than ever before, providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services, including those that drive equitable access to care for some of the nation’s most underserved populations. Walgreens offers customers and patients a true omnichannel experience, with fully integrated physical and digital platforms designed to deliver high-quality products and healthcare services. Within the U.S. Healthcare segment, Walgreens portfolio also includes businesses in primary care, multi-specialty, post-acute care, urgent care, specialty pharmacy services, population health and provider enablement.

*No cost COVID-19 testing through the CDC ICATT (Increasing Community Access to Testing) program may be available for uninsured individuals or military veterans who meet federal eligibility criteria or insured patients depending on plan benefits. Contact your plan to confirm coverage criteria and copayment amount before scheduling your test. You may be billed by Walgreens, and if applicable, the laboratory, for up to the full price of the test if you owe a copay, your insurance denies coverage or if you don’t meet eligibility criteria for government no-cost testing programs. Impersonating a veteran is a federal crime and subject to penalties.

**Test results cannot be guaranteed by a specific time.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241031520234/en/

Samantha Stansberry

media@walgreens.com

Source: Walgreens

FAQ

How much does COVID-19 and flu testing cost for veterans at Walgreens (WBA)?

Testing is provided at no cost for veterans through Walgreens' partnership with the CDC.

What are the eligibility requirements for free COVID-19 testing at Walgreens (WBA)?

Veterans must self-attest their status and be either symptomatic or have recent COVID-19 exposure. The program also covers uninsured patients.

How long does it take to get COVID-19 and flu test results at Walgreens (WBA)?

Test results are available in 30 minutes or less.

How many COVID-19 tests has Walgreens (WBA) administered since 2020?

Walgreens has provided over 37 million COVID-19 tests since partnering with the CDC in 2020.