Back in 2019, Walmart set the health care industry on edge with a plan to establish clinics in their stores. COVID and the current economics have crushed this plan:
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/04/30/walmart-health-center-virtual-care-closing/6541714505691/
Walmart to close all 51 health centers, end virtual care services
By Mike Heuer - April 30, 2024April 30 (UPI) -- Walmart officials on Tuesday announced the pending closing of all 51 of its health centers in five states and the end of its virtual care services.
"The decision to close all 51 health centers across five states and shut down the virtual care offering was not easy," Walmart officials said in a news release Tuesday. "Through our experience managing Walmart Health centers and Walmart Health Virtual Care, we determined there is not a sustainable business model for us to continue."
The 51 health centers that are closing are located in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois and Texas. Walmart Health Virtual Care services are available online throughout the nation.
"We understand this change affects lives -- the patients who receive care, the associates and providers who deliver care and the communities who supported us along the way," Walmart officials said.
Walmart launched its health centers and virtual healthcare services in 2019 but didn't announce a date for their closing.
"The challenging reimbursement environment and escalating operating costs create a lack of profitability that make the care business unsustainable for us at this time," company officials said.
The national retailer will continue operating nearly 4,600 pharmacies and more than 3,000 vision centers throughout the nation.
Sign Up for MHF Insights to keep up on the latest in Michigan Health Policy
