Winn-Dixie to offer health insurance to Florida customers

Jacksonville, Fla. Winn-Dixie Stores announced Wednesday that it has partnered with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida to offer its customers health cards in all 353 Florida Winn-Dixie and Save-Rite locations.

The program consists of two options: the $59 Gift of Health Care card and $19 FamilyBlue discount card.

“We are very excited about our partnership with BCBSF and about their Health Card program,” said Mary Kellmanson, group VP marketing. “The current economic downturn has left many people without access to healthcare benefits for themselves and their families. This program offers an affordable solution to that critical issue.”

Shoppers will find these cards on a permanent freestanding display unit located in the pharmacy area, and in the cold and flu aisle in stores that do not have a pharmacy. After customers have paid for their card, they can call a BCBSF 1-800 number located on the back of the card to activate it as well as receive their personalized member ID card to take to the doctor.

“Our goal is simple -- to provide Floridians with easy access to the health care system,” said Craig Thomas, BCBSF VP and chief marketing officer. “This is a completely unique concept for the health care industry that allows us to reach a broader audience of uninsured and underinsured who would normally go to their local store to purchase pre-paid and gift cards.”