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US health changes may boost Walgreen - Barron's

Sun Jul 12, 2009 5:18pm EDT

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WASHINGTON, July 12 (Reuters) - Drugstore chain Walgreen Co (WAG.N) may present an interesting way for investors to capitalize on the Obama administration's healthcare plans, according to weekly business publication Barron's.

The magazine said the influx of new patients eligible for insurance-subsidized treatments will almost certainly lead to long waits to see doctors.

This could bolster the business of companies offering walk-in clinics to see medical practitioners below the rank of doctor, such as nurse practitioners.

Barron's said three companies with a direct stake in the walk-in clinic business are Walgreen, CVS Caremark Corp (CVS.N) and Target Corp (TGT.N).

It said Walgreen's Take Care Health System's division has 346 in-store clinics and more than 370 health centers throughout the United States.

"Given the size of its clinic operation, Walgreen might offer the most interesting opportunity for investors," said Barron's. (Reporting by Tim Dobbyn; Editing by Diane Craft)



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