Walmart partnering with health insurer to improve access to medications
American multinational retail corporation Walmart and health insurance company Anthem have signed a deal to increase access to over-the-counter (OTC) medications to seniors in the insurer's Medicare Advantage plans. Anthem said that the programme will provide OTC drugs and health-related items such as first aid supplies, support braces and pain relievers at reduced costs. It believes the partnership will improve access to these items while reducing out-of-pocket costs for those involved in Anthem’s affiliated Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.
The programme will launch in January 2019 and will enable customers enrolled in Anthem’s affiliated MA plans to use their OTC plan allowances to purchase OTC medications and health-related items at Walmart’s 4,700 stores and on Walmart’s website. “Creating a better healthcare future requires us to think differently about how we can develop innovative and meaningful healthcare solutions for consumers,” said Felicia Norwood, Executive Vice-President and President, Government Business Division, Anthem. “We are pleased to join with Walmart to create an initiative that combines Anthem’s deep understanding of the needs of senior consumers, with Walmart’s unwavering commitment to saving people money and developing a seamless shopping experience. We believe that programmes like this can make a tremendous difference for healthcare consumers who often live on a fixed income or are managing chronic medical conditions.”
“Walmart is committed to making healthcare more affordable and accessible, and we are in constant pursuit of new ways to deliver on this commitment,” said Sean Slovenski, Senior Vice-President, Health and Wellness, Walmart US. “We are thrilled to be working with Anthem to provide its Medicare Advantage members with convenient access to our broad assortment of high-quality over-the counter products – all available at everyday low prices.”