It was just a matter of time before more players entered the healthcare space, which has been front & center for some time, but it’s interesting to see a retail giant take steps to become an insurer. Beginning next year, Walmart will offer a Medicare Advantage plan in partnership with Clover Health, according to a recent article in Healthcare Finance News.
The new LiveHealthy: Clover powered, Walmart Enhanced PPO will be available in eight Georgia counties, and offer care through its Walmart Health centers and network of 31 hospitals and 8,000 providers. The author explained that Walmart has been taking preparatory steps for this venture by remodeling stores to feature private consultation rooms in the pharmacy and opening a brick and mortar location that offers primary care, dental, counseling, lab, X-ray, audiology and more. The retailer plans to operate 22 facilities by the end of 2021.
LiveHealthy members will enjoy zero-dollar monthly premiums, free primary care visits, lab tests, preventive dental exams and annual physicals.
This is definitely one partnership to watch next year!