Walmart is closing all of its health centers across the United States, where it has provided low-cost care to patients for five years.
The company on Tuesday announced plans to close its network of 51 clinics in five states, along with its telehealth business. The impending closure represents Walmart's derailment of its original plans to expand services, citing rising operating costs and a “challenging reimbursement environment,” the company said in a news release.
“We have determined that there is no sustainable business model for us to continue,” the company said in a statement. “We know this change will impact the lives of the patients we care for, the employees and providers who provide care, and the communities that supported us along the way.”
Mobile phone companies will be fined:FCC fines Verizon, AT&T and other major carriers nearly $200 million for sharing customer data
Walmart Health Centers Offer a Variety of Services
Walmart first introduced health centers in 2019. Located next to the Walmart Supercenter, this health center offers a wide range of services including medical, dental, and behavioral health care.
Walmart has not yet determined closing dates for each center, but the retailer said it will share details as soon as they are determined.
The company announced that it will now focus its medical operations on approximately 4,600 pharmacies and more than 3,000 vision centers across the United States.
Walmart pharmacies have recently expanded to offer testing and treatment services, access to specialty medications, medication therapy management, and a variety of health exams. The company has also introduced new features to its vision center, including a virtual try-on feature using augmented reality.
Where is Walmart Health Center located?
The five states in the Walmart Health Center network and the number of centers in each state are:
Walmart to close health centers:See full list of locations
Employee may be eligible for transfer
It's unclear how many jobs will be lost as a result of the closure. Walmart said it is allowing eligible employees to transfer to other parts of the business, including Sam's Club stores. Employees may also be eligible for severance payments, the company said.
“Our employees and healthcare providers make an incredible difference for our patients and communities, and they are our top priority,” Walmart said in a statement.
Eric Lagatta covers the latest and trending news for USA TODAY. Please contact elagatta@gannett.com.
