Imaging wasn’t enough. Now Walmart is moving into the insurance realm.
Walmart has turned heads in imaging over the past year, opening multiple new care clinic locations that offer x-rays and other services. Now, the retail giant wants to play a role on the payment side of the equation.
The Arkansas-based corporation recently announced the launch of its new business line, Walmart Insurance Services, a licensed brokerage offering. They’ll sell Medicare insurance plans during this year’s open enrollment period starting Oct. 15 and running through Dec. 7. Their aim is to aid consumers in what has “historically been a cumbersome, confusing process,” according to an announcement.
“We want customers to feel confident in selecting a Medicare plan that best fits their needs, budget and lifestyle,” David Sullivan, general manager of Walmart Insurance Services, said in a statement. “And we want to be a trusted partner on their healthcare journey. Helping customers select the right Medicare insurance plan to meet their needs aligns with Walmart’s mission of helping people save money and live better.”
He noted that just 1 in 10 of beneficiaries are enrolled in a plan that saves the most out-of-pocket spending. Starting on Thursday, Walmart will offer Part D, Medicare Advantage and supplemental plans from Humana, United Healthcare, Amerigroup and others. They’re now licensed in all 50 states and the District of Colombia and have already staffed up with a team of agents.
Walmart reported in September that it has “bold ambitions” to further expand its footprint in imaging and other healthcare services. It’s already launched several such health hubs and last month partnered with medical module maker Blox to begin opening centers more quickly.
Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic.