[January 02, 2014]

Rite Aid to Assist Customers with Prescription Needs as Affordable Care Act Coverage Takes Effect

With millions of Americans now receiving health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act beginning Jan. 1, Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD) pharmacies are ready to assist customers with prescription insurance coverage issues and help ensure they are able to access prescription medications under their new plans.

"Every pharmacist knows how important it is for people to take their medications as prescribed, without any interruption," said Rite Aid's Executive Vice President of Pharmacy Robert Thompson. "Each year, Rite Aid pharmacy teams work with and help guide customers through first-of-the-year insurance plan changes, and that's especially true this year, as we know that those newly enrolled may have questions or concerns about their prescription coverage. Rite Aid is committed to helping them work through this transitional period and protect their health."

Thompson also said that, in circumstances where customers have enrolled but have not received their plan identification number from their insurance provider, Rite Aid pharmacy staff will work with these customers to verify their eligibility and help them utilize their new benefits. Customers need to bring confirmation of their enrollment to the Rite Aid pharmacy; enrollment confirmation can be obtained from the exchange website. During Jnuary, for those customers who are enrolled in exchange-based plans but prescription benefit information is not yet available, Rite Aid pharmacists may dispense a 15 to 30-day supply of medication* to these customers at no upfront cost** until their prescription coverage details are available.

Rite Aid has been in close communication with government agencies, health plans, and others in the industry and will continue to work closely with these parties to best support and assist its customers as roll out of the Affordable Care Act continues.

In an effort to assist those filling prescriptions under new plans for the first time, Rite Aid is also offering the following tips to customers:
-Verify that you've signed up for prescription coverage and know the name of your plan.
-Pay your premium; prescription drug coverage begins once premiums are paid.
-Bring along any confirmation information provided by insurer like an insurance card or member number.

For additional help or information, visit or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (available 24/7).

Since last fall, Rite Aid has initiated several steps to help customers better understand the Affordable Care Act and to provide them with information they can use to help them make the best health insurance choices for themselves and their families, including having licensed, independent insurance agents in select Rite Aid stores through March 31, 2014. Agents are available to meet one-on-one with customers to answer questions on the Affordable Care Act; help them compare healthcare plans based on individual needs; and enroll in a plan if they choose.

Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2013 annual revenues of $25.4 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company's website at www.riteaid.com.

*Exclusions or limitations apply to certain therapeutic classes; please ask your Rite Aid pharmacists for details.
**Customers provided prescriptions at no upfront cost may be required to pay any applicable co-pays pursuant to the terms of their prescription coverage.

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