CNN reports that Walmart apparently sees an opportunity to apply its EDLP approach to the health care business, and is looking to make deals that will beef up its presence in the segment.
According to the story, Walmart “inked a deal last month with Anthem, one of the nation's largest insurers, to entice more Medicare enrollees to buy over-the-counter medications and health supplies at its stores. It recently tapped former Humana executive Sean Slovenski to lead its health and wellness division. And it was reportedly looking to buy PillPack before Amazon purchased the online pharmacy in June.”
Walmart, CNN suggests, “could look to provide more low-cost health services, including basic medical care through nurse practitioners, physician assistants or even doctors, experts predict.”
The goal is to give Walmart a “further foothold in this market and deepen its relationship with its 140 million weekly customers.” And, it “comes at a time when the mega-retailer is looking to fend off rivals, including Amazon,” which itself has been making moves into the health care segment.
According to the story, Walmart “inked a deal last month with Anthem, one of the nation's largest insurers, to entice more Medicare enrollees to buy over-the-counter medications and health supplies at its stores. It recently tapped former Humana executive Sean Slovenski to lead its health and wellness division. And it was reportedly looking to buy PillPack before Amazon purchased the online pharmacy in June.”
Walmart, CNN suggests, “could look to provide more low-cost health services, including basic medical care through nurse practitioners, physician assistants or even doctors, experts predict.”
The goal is to give Walmart a “further foothold in this market and deepen its relationship with its 140 million weekly customers.” And, it “comes at a time when the mega-retailer is looking to fend off rivals, including Amazon,” which itself has been making moves into the health care segment.
- KC's View:
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At this point, considering the degree to which other companies - Amazon, CVS, Walgreen, and others - are embracing the health care business, it would be more surprising if Walmart didn’t invest in this segment.
It makes sense. Remember … 90% of US population lives within 10 miles of a Walmart. That’s an enormously valuable asset if you’re trying to create a health care infrastructure.
