Walmart, Anthem partner on OTC access for seniors
Walmart is teaming up with health insurer Anthem on an effort the companies said would help improve access to OTC products. The joint program, set to launch in January 2019, will allow Anthem’s Medicare Advantage enrollees to use OTC plan allowances to buy OTC products and health-related items at Walmart stores and Walmart.com, which the companies said would reduce out-of-pocket costs for these patients.
“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 of health and wellness at Walmart U.S. “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.”
The two companies noted that more than 90% of Americans live within 10 miles of a Walmart store, and with the added ability to use their OTC plan allowances on Walmart.com, their partnership is expected to have an impact on older adults seeking value and convenience. The Social Security Administration estimates that nearly 25% of married seniors and 4-in-10 unmarried seniors receive 90% of their income from Social Security.
“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, Anthem executive vice president and president of Anthem’s government business division. ”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 programs 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 of health and wellness at Walmart U.S. “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.”
The two companies noted that more than 90% of Americans live within 10 miles of a Walmart store, and with the added ability to use their OTC plan allowances on Walmart.com, their partnership is expected to have an impact on older adults seeking value and convenience. The Social Security Administration estimates that nearly 25% of married seniors and 4-in-10 unmarried seniors receive 90% of their income from Social Security.
“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, Anthem executive vice president and president of Anthem’s government business division. ”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 programs like this can make a tremendous difference for healthcare consumers who often live on a fixed income or are managing chronic medical conditions.”