Wal-Mart and Health Care

During a future visit to your local Wal-Mart, you may soon see something new. You may see a health clinic. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc has announced another innovative move to help consumers during today's health care crisis. Millions of Americans lack basic health care coverage, and millions more do not have adequate insurance. Many of these people are working and patronizing health care for senior citizens and the recipients of Medicare and Medicaid through their payroll taxes, but they are unable to afford the high price of medical coverage for themselves and their families.

In September 2006, Wal-Mart started selling selected generic prescription drugs for only $4 in Tampa, Florida. In November, Wal-Mart offered the generic prescription drugs at $4 nationwide. For a 30 day supply of common dosages, over 300 generic prescription drugs are available at this discounted price. Using the same ingredients as name-brand drugs, generic prescription drugs are an effective alternative and the cost is much less. Supermarkets, drug stores, and discount stores have followed behind Wal-Mart and lowered their own prices on selected generic prescription drugs.

Wal-Mart also designates a pharmacy associate in each store to be knowledgeable in Medicare Part D. The associate helps patients to understand the benefits they are entitled to and assist them with the enrollment process. The enrollment process was limiting the benefits to many senior citizens who were overwhelmed by all the new information and registration process when the new prescription drug plan was implemented. As of October 26, 2006, 1,080,000 people have been aided with enrolling for Medicare Part D by Wal-Mart associates.

On March 28,2007, Wal-Mart announced plans for the Center for Innovation in Health Care Logistics. Wal-Mart, partnered with the University of Arkansas and Blue Cross Blue Shield, plan to create a research center focused on improving the delivery system for health care, which would benefit providers and patients, with the use of information technology.

Wal-Mart announced on April 24, 2007 the expansion of their pilot program, in-store health clinics, which began during September 2005. There are presently 76 clinics operating inside Wal-Mart in 12 states. Over the next two to three years, Wal-Mart intends to open as many as 400 in-store health clinics. Over the next five to seven years, up to 2,000 clinics could be opened. The clinics will lease space in the store and be managed by local hospitals and other organizations that are independent of Wal-Mart.

CEO Lee Scott of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. mentioned the existing clinics have about a 90 percent satisfaction rate with more than half of the visitors reporting they were uninsured on surveys. Close to 15 percent reported that they would have visited the emergency room if the health clinic had not been available. This only goes to show that uninsured people need affordable health care as an alternative to using the emergency room for minor ailments.

The health clinics will post the prices for the procedures and services offered in the clinic. The providers will determine the services offered. Preventive and routine care is usually provided. Imagine the uninsured parent of three small children who needs three school physicals. Not to mention the long list of school supplies and clothes to buy. An affordable price for a necessity is always welcomed. Plus, the parent would know how much the visit would cost before the visit, instead of after the visit.

Wal-Mart is also taking part on the "Better Health Care Together" coalition. The goal of the coalition is to assure that affordable, quality health care is accessible to all Americans by 2012.

Sources:
http:/www.workingpeople.org/mainPage/healthcare.htm
http:/www.walmartfacts.com/articles/4973.aspx
http:/www.walmartfacts.com/articles/4627.aspx
http:/www.walmartfacts.com/articles/4918.aspx