With the start of a new year, many people’s New Year’s resolutions focus on improving their health, whether that means going to the gym more often, eating healthier, or finally scheduling a long-overdue annual checkup.

Yet for many Americans, accessing health care remains a challenge. While health care is essential, it often feels like a luxury rather than a basic necessity.

Health insurance premiums have risen steadily for years, making routine medical services increasingly expensive and, for some households, financially out of reach.

The U.S. continues to spend more on health care than any other country. In 2023 alone, total health care spending reached $4.9 trillion, averaging $14,570 per person, according to a recent study by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.

“The United States’ low-performing healthcare system not only makes our citizens less healthy, but it also harms our economy and fiscal outlook,” said Peter G. Peterson Foundation Analysts.

“High healthcare costs strain the federal budget and are the primary drivers of the long-term structural imbalance between federal spending and revenues. Containing high healthcare costs is important for the nation’s long-term fiscal and economic well-being.” 

As affordability concerns grow, major corporations are stepping in with alternative health care solutions aimed at expanding access and lowering costs. One of the most recent efforts comes from Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, which is rolling out a new digital platform designed to simplify consumers’ access to basic care.

Walmart introduces Better Care Services

Walmart (WMT) is launching Better Care Services, a digital health care platform that connects customers to a network of third-party providers offering urgent care and behavioral health services.

The platform also integrates Walmart’s in-store pickup options for LillyDirect, as well as access to Walmart’s Nutrition Hub, which provides personalized food and recipe recommendations to support healthier lifestyles.

Beginning January 15, Walmart is offering a limited-time $15 discount on select telehealth services with participating providers.

“We know that when health care feels hard, many people don’t get the care they need. We can fix that,” said Walmart Senior VP, Health and Wellness, Pharmacy Kevin Host in a press release.

“Better Care Services is about making wellness simple and affordable to fit into your life; we’re removing barriers so more people can get the care they deserve, right when they need it.”

Its “Save Money. Live Better” slogan remains central to Walmart’s strategy. Nearly 60% of Walmart shoppers say saving money is a top priority, prompting the retailer to lower prices on more than 1,000 wellness-focused items, including food, supplements, over-the-counter products, and fitness essentials.

“Whether it’s the care you access, the food you buy or the products you rely on, our goal is to make wellness easier,” said Walmart Senior VP, Health and Wellness Merchandising Ralph Clare in a press release. “Customers should not have to choose between convenience, affordability and care, and at Walmart, they don’t have to.”

Walmart launches Better Care Services to make health care more affordable.

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Walmart’s evolving health care business

Walmart’s health care strategy has shifted significantly in recent years. In 2024, the company closed Walmart Health and Walmart Health Virtual Care, initiatives it launched in 2019. The decision resulted in the shutdown of all 51 health centers and the discontinuation of its virtual care services.

“The challenging reimbursement environment and escalating operating costs create a lack of profitability that make the care business unsustainable for us at this time,” said Walmart in a press release.

Despite those closures, Walmart maintained and expanded its pharmacy business, which includes around 5,000 locations nationwide, including those at Sam’s Club. The pharmacy segment has since become one of the company’s most lucrative sectors.

Earlier this year, Walmart became the first retailer in the U.S. to offer same-day pharmacy delivery across 49 states, allowing customers to order prescriptions alongside groceries and general merchandise in a single online transaction. 

According to Becker’s Hospital Review, Walmart ranked among the top five pharmacy operators in the U.S. in 2024, generating approximately $32.7 billion in total prescription revenues and capturing a 4.8% market share.

More Walmart News:

  • Walmart forms bold new health care partnership for affordable medicine
  • Walmart makes a surprising in-store move with its online marketplace
  • Walmart announces unexpected store closure

Additionally, Walmart pledged to invest $350 billion in 2021 in products made, grown, or assembled in the United States by 2030. This initiative supports domestic jobs while reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

That strategy has also helped shield Walmart from rising manufacturing costs and price increases tied to newly implemented U.S. tariffs on foreign-made goods. By sourcing domestically, the company aims to keep essential medications affordable while ensuring a stable supply for consumers.

“The logic is clear,” said CTO Magazine Industry Expert and Writer Rajashree Goswami. “If healthcare in the U.S. is fragmented, costly, and unevenly distributed, then the company that already manages sprawling supply chains and mass consumer traffic might see itself as well-positioned to bridge the gaps.”

Walmart competitors expand into affordable health care

Walmart is not alone in its push to make health care more accessible. Several major retailers are entering the health care space, forming partnerships and launching new platforms to diversify revenue while meeting customer demand for affordable care.

Retailers expanding into healthcare

  • Amazon: Acquired One Medical and launched Amazon Clinic to expand access to affordable in-person and virtual health care services (Sources:One Medical and Amazon)
  • Costco: Partnered with Sesame to offer discounted online health care services to its members (Source:Sesame)
  • Kroger: Teamed up with GoodRx to provide branded prescription drugs at discounted prices (Source:Reuters)
  • Dollar General: Piloting mobile health clinics in partnership with DocGo, bringing low-cost care into underserved communities (Source:Dollar General)

Research from NEJM Catalyst Insight Council highlights why retailers are increasingly investing in health care. The two most commonly cited benefits of retail care are improved access to care, noted by 52% of respondents, and meeting consumer demand, cited by 48%.

The same study found that retail health care models may play an important role in serving vulnerable populations, with 67% of respondents reporting that retail care has increased access for these groups.

However, some health care leaders remain cautious. Retail health care often focuses on episodic care, which can create challenges around continuity, according to UW Health VP of Strategy and Planning Dennis Jolley.

As health care costs continue to rise, retail-driven health care solutions are increasingly viewed as one way to expand access and convenience.

Whether these models can ultimately surpass traditional primary care remains to be seen, but their growing presence signals a significant shift in how Americans interact with health care.

Related: Amazon to solve a growing customer problem with vending machines