Walmart will close all 51 health centers in five states. The decision involves Walmart Health and Walmart Health Virtual Care.
A press release said that the world’s largest retailer determined that it could not continue with a sustainable business model.
The company launched Walmart Health Centers back in 2019.
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“During our five-year journey, we made meaningful impacts with patients while continuing to learn, pivot, and evolve. While our mission to help people save money and live better remains, today we are sharing the difficult decision to close Walmart Health and Walmart Health Virtual Care,” the document said.
The company has yet to determine the dates for each center’s closure. Still, it will inform everyone as soon as a decision is made.
The 4,600 Pharmacies and more than 3,000 Vision Centers will continue to provide services. The world’s largest retailer will continue to offer immunizations and grow to provide Testing and Treatment services, access to specialty pharmacy medication and care, and other essential services such as medication therapy management and various health screenings.
Walmart’s optical business recently expanded, with more than 200 Vision Centers under Walmart’s ownership. They also launched a suite of optical tools, including virtual try-on capabilities that make getting a pair of glasses even easier.
The world’s largest retailer will continue to innovate as it grows its core businesses and launches even more services, such as the Walmart Healthcare Research Institute and health programs.
What will happen to the associates and providers
The company said all associates can transfer to any other Walmart or Sam’s Club location.
All associates will be paid for 90 days unless they transfer to another location or leave the company.
After 90 days, eligible associates will receive severance benefits if they do not transfer or leave.
The company’s provider partners will continue to serve existing patients while clinics are open. These providers will be paid for 90 days through their respective employers, after which eligible providers will receive transition payments.