Walmart to close its 51 health centers, virtual care service

Walmart is closing its health centers and virtual care service as the retail giant has struggled to find success with the offerings.

Walmart, which launched its health centers five years ago, said Tuesday that it’s learned through managing the health centers and virtual service that “there is not a sustainable business model for us to continue.”

Walmart had 51 health centers in five states, with the goal of helping people save money on their health care needs. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company opened its first health center in 2019.

“This is a difficult decision, and like others, the challenging reimbursement environment and escalating operating costs create a lack of profitability that make the care business unsustainable for us at this time,” the company said in a statement.

The realization of the unsustainable business model comes after Walmart announced in March 2023 that it planned to add more than two dozen health centers to some of its stores this year. At the time, the company said that it was looking to open 28 centers in 2024, mostly in Dallas and Houston. It also was planning to expand into the Phoenix and Kansas City, Mo., areas.

Walmart does not yet have specific dates for when its health centers will close, but said that it will share that information when it’s available. Provider partners will continue to serve existing patients while clinics are open.

The company said that employees that worked at its health centers are eligible to transfer to any other Walmart or Sam’s Club location. All associates will be paid for 90 days, unless they transfer to another location during that time or leave the company. After 90 days, if they do not transfer or leave, eligible associates will receive severance benefits.

Walmart still runs almost 4,600 pharmacies and more than 3,000 vision centers in the United States. The company noted that it continues to offer immunizations and have grown to provide testing and treatment services, access to specialty pharmacy medication and care, as well as other essential services such as medication therapy management and a variety of health screenings.

Central Florida health centers affected

• Kissimmee, 1471-B E. Osceola Parkway
• Kissimmee, 904 B Cypress Parkway
• Ocoee, 10490 W. Colonial Dr.
• Orlando, 11242 E. Colonial Dr.
• Orlando, 5997 S. Goldenrod Road
• Orlando, 8109 S. John Young Parkway
• Sanford, 3647 S. Orlando Dr.
• Winter Garden, 16313 New Independence Parkway, Unit 110

Tampa Bay area locations affected

• Brandon, 11108 Causeway Blvd.
• Hudson, 12582 U.S. Highway 19
• Lutz, 1563 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
• New Port Richey, 8901 State Road 54
• Pinellas Park, 8007 U.S. Highway 19 N.
• Plant City, 2600 James L. Redman Parkway
• St. Petersburg, 3491 34th St. S.
• Wesley Chapel, 28516 State Road 54
• Zephyrhills, 7745 Gall Blvd.

Other Florida health centers affected

• Jacksonville, 4250 Philips Highway, Unit 100
• Jacksonville, 11900 Atlantic Boulevard, Unit 1
• Jacksonville, 10991 San Jose Boulevard, Unit 100
• Jacksonville, 12100 Lem Turner Road, Unit 100
• Jacksonville, 7075 Collins Road, Unit 100
• Middleburg, 1586 Branan Field Road