HHS encourages open enrollment through partnerships with grocery, retail stores

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is collaborating with numerous national grocery and retail stores to provide consumers with health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Among those partnering with HHS are H-E-B, Kroger, Meijer, Southeastern Grocers and Walmart. Each will help individuals find an insurance plan that is affordable and meets their health care needs. The stores will distribute educational materials related to the Marketplace, have enrollment assisters or insurance agents on hand to help customers and hold customer education and enrollment events.

Kroger, Meijer and Walmart are also using their respective websites to promote enrollment. While Kroger's website features a Health Insurance Marketplace landing page that enables people to review and enroll in health plans, Meijer has information on the insurance marketplace and provides a link to the government site. Walmart's website allows individuals to compare health insurance plans and offers answers to the most common insurance questions in a Health Insurance FAQ section.

“We are working with grocery and retail stores across the country to reach millions of consumers where they shop the most,” HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell said. “This support for enrollment efforts nationwide is further indication that businesses are investing in Open Enrollment because they believe it is good for their business and for their customers.”

The Open Enrollment Period for 2016 health care coverage ends on Jan. 31, 2016.