CVS to provide health insurance across much of NC

CVS (NYSE: CVS) two years ago acquired insurer Aetna, which dropped out of the Affordable Care Act marketplace in North Carolina in 2016. CVS officials say they can now bring the combination of Aetna's provider network and CVS' network of pharmacies and urgent care clinics back to the online exchange.

"We’re uniquely positioned to provide greater value for consumers, particularly the millions of Americans who are uninsured or underinsured,” Dan Finke, CVS Health executive vice president and Aetna president, said in a statement. “We are taking a human-centered approach to health care by connecting people to the services and support they want in their neighborhood, home and virtually anywhere they need us.”

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is the lone insurer to provide ACA plans in all 100 counties. Other insurers, such as UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and Centene, have focused their offerings on metro areas.

CVS and Aetna say they will offer plans in 70 counties, including all of the Triangle. The areas not included in their plans are the southeastern part of the state, including Sampson County and the Wilmington area; parts of northeast North Carolina, including Warren County; and some counties in the northwest part of the state.

Company officials said the plans will include low-cost or free in-person or virtual visits at any of the more than 60 MinuteClinic locations in North Carolina and over 1,100 locations across the country, free delivery on 90-day prescription refills, 20 percent discounts on CVS Health brand health and wellness products and an online "care concierge" to help consumers navigate health care services and products.

“A key priority is providing people with access to the care they need anywhere – simply, easily and affordably,” Neela Montgomery, CVS Health executive vice president and president of CVS Pharmacy, said in a statement. “We are committed to helping simplify health care and enable healthier outcomes.”

In addition to North Carolina, CVS plans to enter the individual exchange market in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Nevada, northern Virginia, Texas and Virginia.