re: Private Insurance Exchange

An exchange is just an online marketplace, just like you purchase a flight online. Walgreens will probably offset any cost of the exchange and provide a defined contribution (set amount) to each employee.

Anyone with experience would have participated in a Utah or Mass public/private exchange and each state has their own set of rules. Walgreens is definitely on the bleeding edge and most large organizations won’t make any changes to their health plan in 2014. Aons private exchange is there to curb employer cost and pass the cost to the employee so they can make an educated decision on the type of plan they require. (could cost more)

Having access to an exchange would negate any savings because there is a cost to establish all the carrier feeds and to pay admin fees. I could envision some discounted products that come with accessing this private exchange but not much.