Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States, has announced that it will be closing all 51 of its health care centers and discontinuing virtual health care services. This decision comes after determining that there is not a sustainable business model for Walmart's care business at this time.
The closure of these clinics may leave a gap in healthcare access, particularly for lower-income patients without insurance who relied on the centers. The announcement was made on April 30, 2024, and affects health centers located in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri and Texas.
Despite attempts to make healthcare more convenient and affordable through retailers like Walmart and others such as BestBuy and Amazon, the challenging reimbursement environment and escalating operating costs have proven to be significant barriers for profitability. Retailers have faced these challenges in providing healthcare services alongside established urgent care clinics.
The closures of Walmart's health centers reflect the ongoing struggles primary care providers face in the United States, where a shortage of up to 55,000 primary care physicians is expected by 2030 according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. This shortage highlights the importance of addressing healthcare access and affordability for underserved communities.
Walmart will continue operating its pharmacies and optical centers around the country. Patients with scheduled appointments at Walmart Health Centers will be directed to high-quality providers in their insurance networks to ensure they continue receiving care.