Homeward, a company committed to improving access to high-quality, comprehensive care in rural communities, announced a strategic partnership with Rite Aid to provide access to comprehensive care for those living in rural areas across the U.S. Beginning this summer, Rite Aid pharmacists will be able to introduce Medicare-eligible customers to Homeward’s clinical services, including annual wellness visits, screenings, and risk assessments. In addition, Rite Aid will host Homeward’s mobile care units at select rural Michigan locations to provide care and services to underserved communities with the goal of expanding to additional markets nationwide.

To address significant gaps in health care innovation for urban populations, Homeward announced plans to provide high-quality, accessible care for the 60 million Americans living in rural communities using a unique, hybrid model that is designed to meet their distinctive needs. Similarly, Rite Aid is focused on improving healthcare in underserved rural communities. Today, Rite Aid has over 6,300 pharmacists across 2,300 locations, including 700 pharmacy locations in rural areas, many of which are healthcare deserts with limited access to doctors and hospitals.

Homeward deploys an integrated care model that combines mobile, community-based care with centralized clinical oversight and ongoing care management. Homeward providers see members both in community-based, mobile clinics and in members’ homes, as preferred. Homeward care teams conduct physical exams, perform basic diagnostic tests, and when needed, refer members to regional health systems and specialists if more complicated diagnostics are required. Homeward’s technology-enabled care model also includes virtual visits and in-home, cellular-based remote monitoring that keeps patients connected to their multidisciplinary care team.

Homeward will provide in-network services, including primary care and specialty care beginning with cardiology, in Q3 2022 for individuals covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. The company will set aside the fee-for-service model – which defaults to in-clinic care settings and limits the ability to leverage new, innovative technology and services – in favor of a value-based, total capitation model.

Homeward is rearchitecting rural health and care for the 60 million Americans living in rural communities. Homeward employs an in-network multidisciplinary care team, available both virtually and on the ground via mobile care units, with in-home remote monitoring to better connect patients to high-quality, accessible, and comprehensive care. Today, the company partners with Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, taking on the full risk of their members to improve outcomes and reduce costs.

Rite Aid Corporation is on the front lines of delivering healthcare services and retail products to Americans 365 days a year. Rite Aid’s pharmacists are uniquely positioned to engage with customers and improve their health outcomes. Rite Aid provides an array of whole being health products and services for the entire family through over 2,400 retail pharmacy locations across 17 states.

This was reported by Homeward on May 31, 2022 at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rite-aid-and-homeward-partner-to-support-seniors-in-underserved-communities-301557433.html (accessed on June 1, 2022).

Contact information: Jen Long, 120/80 Marketing for Homeward Health, Inc.; 617-784-3245; Website: https://homewardhealth.com/

Contact information: Terri Hickey, Communications, Rite Aid, 30 Hunter Lane, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011; 717-975-5718; Email: Terri.hickey@riteaid.com; Website: https://www.riteaid.com/