Meijer/Blue Cross Collaboration Latest Example of Retail-Healthcare Partnerships

Groceries and Medicare plans will be available in one convenient spot.

Published | Reading time: 1 minutes

Insurify partners with top insurance companies to provide a comprehensive comparison experience. However, the insurance experts writing our content operate independently of our partners. Check out reviews from over 3,000 satisfied customers, how we make money, our data methodology, and our editorial standards.

Michigan consumers accustomed to going to Meijer for groceries and home goods can now add Medicare plans to their shopping list. This is thanks to the retailer’s newly announced partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan.

The partnership provides eligible consumers access to the Medicare Plus Blue PPO + Meijer plan. The coverage offers a $0 monthly premium, a $0 annual deductible, $0 primary care visits, and no copay for several generic prescription drugs. The plan also includes a $660 annual allowance that policyholders can spend across 120 Meijer stores in Michigan to purchase healthy foods as well as health services.

Expanding on current offerings

Meijer already offers several health and wellness solutions, but the partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan allows the retail giant to expand its offerings to include Medicare, vision, and dental coverages. This change comes right as Medicare Open Enrollment begins (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7).

The next step in a continuing trend

While the partnership represents the first foray for Meijer into the health insurance market, the Michigan-based grocer is hardly the first retailer to pursue such opportunities. Walgreens and United Healthcare have partnered in certain regions, while Walmart has partnered with Anthem to support senior consumers.

What’s next?

Partnerships between retailers and healthcare companies show no signs of letting up. As retailers continue to seek ways to make their stores a destination, consumers should expect additional opportunities to truly realize one-stop shopping when they head to the store.

Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content

Chris is Insurify’s Deputy Managing Editor for news and marketing content. He’s a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more. He is passionate about breaking down complex subject material to make important information accessible to everyone. 

Chris began his career as a journalist, managing two weekly newspapers, then moving into marketing and content marketing roles. Before joining Insurify, Chris served as the content strategy manager at Siteimprove and as the content manager at Brandpoint, where he managed a team of content creators. 

Away from work, Chris is an active hockey player and proud father of two rambunctious little girls. Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in mass communications from the University of Minnesota.