HHS Partners with Westfield, National Community Pharmacists Association and XO Group to Help Educate Shoppers about Affordable Health Insurance Coverage

PRESS RELEASE

Washington, DC (November 26, 2014) — The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced partnerships with Westfield Shopping Centers, The National Community Pharmacists Association and XO Group Inc., parent company of The Knot, The Nest and The Bump, to promote the Health Insurance Marketplace in conjunction with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. The partners will connect shoppers with information about affordable health insurance options through the Health Insurance Marketplace throughout the open enrollment period ending February 15th.

“We are thrilled to announce partnerships today with three organizations that reach consumers across the country, especially on the busiest shopping weekend of the year,” said HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell. “This holiday season, whether consumers are shopping at a mall, online or at their community pharmacy, Westfield, The XO Group and the National Community Pharmacists Association will help to provide them with information to shop for an affordable health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace.”

Consumers can sign up for an affordable health plan that meets their needs and fits their budget at HealthCare.gov. Many may even qualify for financial assistance. Open Enrollment in the Marketplace runs through Feb. 15, 2015. Health coverage can start as soon as Jan. 1, 2015 for consumers who sign up by Dec. 15, 2014. Consumers who have already received health coverage through the Marketplace can renew their coverage any time before December 15th.

Overview of the Partnerships

Westfield Shopping Centers

Westfield has agreed to allow navigators and assistors to provide information about the Health Insurance Marketplace in some of its U.S. shopping centers during the open enrollment period. Westfield will provide tables, chairs and other necessary items for HHS navigators and assisters to provide education and outreach to consumers. Westfield Shopping Centers will also include information about enrollment services on their website and on-site to help people find the tables set up for enrollment.

Westfield is one of the world’s leading shopping center companies with retail destinations in London, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles among its portfolio of 40 centers. Last year approximately 425 million customers visited Westfield shopping centers.

“Westfield is pleased to offer our centers as a venue for HHS in this public education and outreach initiative,” said Westfield officials.

National Community Pharmacists Association

Community pharmacies are trusted small business leaders in their communities. Through the NCPA, HHS has hosted a call with community pharmacists to provide information on the ACA. Additionally, the NCPA is a vehicle to provide community pharmacies across the country materials and information on open enrollment, so the community pharmacies can educate their customers and community.

The National Community Pharmacists Association represents the pharmacist owners, managers, and employees of nearly 23,000 independent community pharmacies across the United States. The nation's independent pharmacies, independent pharmacy franchises, and independent chains dispense nearly half of the nation's retail prescription medicines. The nation's independent pharmacists are small business entrepreneurs and multifaceted health care providers who represent a vital part of the United States' health care delivery system, often caring for people in underserved rural and inner-city communities.

“Community pharmacists are frontline health care providers who serve as a critical access point to care for many Americans,” said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, RPh, MBA. “Community pharmacists will be available to help patients with their health care needs, from medication counseling to accessing insurance coverage, this week just as they do all year. We appreciate Secretary Burwell’s acknowledgment of the contributions of community pharmacists and we encourage consumers to check out their locally owned, community pharmacies this Small Business Saturday.”

XO Group Inc.

XO Group informed couples of the Health Insurance Marketplace on its websites, The Knot, The Nest and The Bump, where members who are planning a wedding, starting a home and having a baby, may be looking for a new insurance option or qualify for a special enrollment period. Content featuring information on open enrollment includes, A Message from Michelle Obama, Three Reasons to #GetCovered and The #1 Thing to Do on Cyber Monday to Stay Healthy.

"The Knot and The Bump help American families navigate and enjoy life's biggest moments together,” said XO Group CEO Mike Steib. “We are honored to work with the White House to ensure that the millions of families we serve know all of their health insurance options."

XO Group Inc. (NYSE: XOXO; http://www.xogroupinc.com) is the premier consumer internet and media company devoted to weddings, pregnancy and everything in between, providing couples and new parents with the trusted information, products and advice they need to guide them through the most transformative events of their lives. Our family of premium brands began with the number one wedding brand, The Knot, and has grown to include The Nest and The Bump. XO Group is recognized by the industry for innovation in media — from the web to mobile, magazines, books and video. XO Group has grown its business to include online sponsorship and advertising, registry services, e-commerce and publishing. The Company is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange (XOXO) and is headquartered in New York City.