Walgreens will offer prescription help for consumers struggling with health insurance overhaul

Walgreens, the largest drugstore chain in the U.S., said Tuesday it will offer prescriptions at no upfront cost to some patients who are working on getting health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

Walgreens made a similar offer in 2014. It said it will provide up to a 30-day supply of certain medications to patients who are buying insurance but have not yet received a plan identification number or who are having other problems. The offer is open to consumers who are buying insurance on public marketplaces, and they must bring confirmation of their enrollment to Walgreens stores by the end of January.

Deerfield, Illinois-based Walgreens completed its purchase of European health and beauty retailer Alliance Boots on Wednesday. Shares of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. rose 19 cents to close Tuesday at $74.69.