Walmart’s ‘stunning’ decision to close health centers a blow to rural America
Chief Healthcare Executive
|
Summary
Walmart has announced the closure of its 51 health centers and telehealth service, citing an unsustainable business model due to a challenging reimbursement environment and increasing operational costs. This decision reverses their previous expansion plan, which included operating over 75 clinics by the end of 2024. The closure is deemed a significant setback for rural health care accessibility in America, particularly affecting underserved communities where Walmart's health centers were hoped to bridge gaps in primary care availability. Despite this, Walmart plans to continue and expand its pharmacy services, which are also located in many medically underserved areas, shifting its focus towards specialty pharmacy services.
