Walmart to close all health centers in Florida, US
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Walmart announced Tuesday it would permanently shutter its 51 Walmart Health centers in the U.S., including 23 locations in Florida, and end its virtual care offering.
Walmart Health, which was first launched in 2019, gave customers access to healthcare professionals like physicians, dentists and licensed therapists across Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri and Texas.
"The decision to close all 51 health centers across five states and shut down the virtual care offering was not easy," Walmart said in press release.
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The company said it's closing because there isn't a "sustainable business model for us to continue."
SUGAR LAND, TEXAS - MARCH 29: The front desk is visible Friday, March 29, 2024, at the new Walmart Health Center in Sugar Land which will offer primary care, dental, counseling, lab and X-ray services at the location on Highway 6. (Kirk Sides/Houston
"We understand this change affects lives – the patients who receive care, the associates and providers who deliver care and the communities who supported us along the way," Walmart continued. "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 it would continue to operate its thousands of pharmacies and vision centers across the country.
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Walmart Health patients can still receive care while clinics are open amid the closing process, and it's working with its providers and associates to either relocate them or give them severance benefits.
In Florida, there are 23 Walmart Health locations:
- Brandon
- Hudson
- Jacksonville (5)
- Kissimmee (2)
- Lutz
- Middleburg
- New Port Richey
- Ocoee
- Orlando (3)
- Pinellas Park
- Plant City
- Sanford
- St. Petersburg
- Wesley Chapel
- Winter Garden
- Zephyrhills
Click here for more information about Walmart Health's closure.