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INDIANAPOLIS — Health insurer WellPoint said Tuesday that most of its affiliated Medicare drug plans and medical plans with drug coverage will participate in a preferred pharmacy network that includes Rite Aid, Kroger and Walmart pharmacies.

Together, WellPoint said, members had access to more than 11,000 locations around the country. The preferred pharmacy network is part of all of WellPoint's affiliated Part D standalone prescription drug plans and most of its Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid will help elderly people and their caregivers prepare for the annual Medicare Part D enrollment starting in two weeks, the drug store chain said Tuesday.

Rite Aid said its stores around the country would offer Medicare Advisor to help Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers find the plan that suits them best starting on Oct. 15.

GLENDALE, Calif. — Beauty mavens can be wickedly beautiful this Halloween with the new Disney Villains collection now available at Walgreens stores nationwide.

CHICAGO — SMS Assist on Tuesday named Geoffrey Wigner EVP facilities for the technology-driven facilities maintenance and management company.

Wigner, 48, previously served as senior director of store services for Dollar General, where he managed more than $500 million in capital and expense budgets while directing major projects affecting more than 10,000 stores. Wigner helped the nationwide retailer open 625 new stores and renovate 525 others in fiscal year 2011. 

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Customer satisfaction with retail pharmacies has increased faster than mail-order pharmacies despite the perceived cost competitiveness of the latter, according to a new study.

The Walmart Foundation has appointed Kathleen McLaughlin as its president, effective Oct. 15. In addition to leading corporate giving, she will have responsibility for the company's global sustainability, women's economic empowerment initiatives and healthier food initiatives.

McLaughlin, previously a senior partner at global consulting firm McKinsey & Company, is a dual American-Canadian citizen and was based in Toronto.

SAN FRANCISCO — Pharmacy veteran Chris Dimos has joined McKesson as SVP corporate strategy and business development, reporting to Brian Tyler, McKesson EVP corporate strategy and business development, DSN has learned. Also joining McKesson is Melanie Nallicheri as SVP McKesson Distribution Solutions. Nallicheri will similarly report to Tyler. 

NEW YORK — One of the world's leading Italian pasta brands is the subject of an international boycott after remarks that critics have characterized as disparaging gay people, and the mother of a leader in a U.S.-based gay-rights group is petitioning a supermarket chain to stop carrying it.