Attention, Walmart Patients

By KIM BELLARD When Walmart announced earlier this summer that it was opening an insurance agency to sell Medicare-related products and services plans, I thought, “that’s it?”  When Walmart announced later in the summer that it was partnering (first with Microsoft, then with Oracle) in the bid to buy TikTok, I thought, “well, isn’t that interesting?”  And when Walmart announced a few days ago that it was partnering with Clover Health to offer Medicare Advantage plans, I thought: “it’s about time.” You know Walmart.  265 million people (worldwide) shop at its stores each week.  Ninety percent of Americans live within 10 miles of a Walmart store.  It is estimated that 95% of Americans shop at Walmart during the year.  In over 200 U.S. markets, it accounts for at least 50% of grocery sales.  It is the fifth largest pharmacy chain by revenue.  And Walmart has been shaking up healthcare for some time.  Way back in 2006, it introduced its $4 Prescriptions program that upended pharmacy pricing.  In 2008, it started offering in-store retail clinics, initially in partnership with hospitals and now operates on its own.  Last year it started offering standalone clinics – Walmart Health – that went far beyond typical retail clinics.  They feature primary care, dental, lab and imaging, plus vision and audiology, and are starting to rapidly expand their footprint, aiming for 22 locations, ...
Source: The Health Care Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Tech Kim Bellard Walmart Source Type: blogs