In 2019, Walmart launched its in-store health centers across five states to provide increased health resources to customers. However, the company has announced that it will be closing all 51 of these centers due to financial instability. The decision was made to shut down both the health centers and its virtual care services.
The challenging reimbursement environment and rising operating costs have made the care business unsustainable for Walmart. Despite this, the company has assured that its over 4,500 pharmacies and 3,000 vision centers nationwide will remain open. Employees affected by the closures will have the option to transfer to other Walmart or Sam’s Club locations. They will receive 90 days’ pay unless they transfer to a different location or leave the company during that time. If employees do not transfer or leave the company after 90 days, they will be eligible for severance benefits.
In Georgia, 17 Walmart health center locations will be closing. The company expressed regret at making this difficult decision but emphasized that the changing financial landscape made it necessary to discontinue these operations. Despite the closures, Walmart remains committed to providing quality health and wellness services to its customers through its remaining pharmacy and vision center locations nationwide.