Walmart launches same-day pharmacy delivery nationwide

Walmart is expanding its delivery offerings, integrating prescription medications and general merchandise into one streamlined single order for delivery.

Pharmacy delivery will be available in 49 states by 2025, Walmart said.

“Our extensive footprint across the nation combined with our deep expertise in pharmacy uniquely positions us to make a profound impact in the communities we serve,” the company said.

The new offering is live in six states: Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South Carolina and Wisconsin. By the end of January 2025, Walmart's Pharmacy Delivery is expected to be available in 49 states, reaching tens of millions of customers. Pharmacy Delivery is available for both new prescriptions along with medication refills.

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Walmart noted that its proximity to customers and nearly 4,600 store locations with pharmacies add up to make Pharmacy Delivery a choice that has a wide reaching impact. The service provides a benefit to Walmart customers and members, particularly families, seniors and those managing chronic conditions who do not have time for multiple trips. 

"For Walmart, reaching these people is no problem. Walmart’s extensive existing footprint across the U.S. enables delivery to more than 86% of households. This convenience is powered by Walmart’s robust infrastructure, allowing customers to manage their entire shopping experience—whether it’s a prescription, a gallon of milk or both—seamlessly through its app and website, fulfilled by the nearest store. Walmart will offer all medications through Pharmacy Delivery with some select exceptions," the retailer said.

Pointing out that in a recent survey, Walmart customers were asked how the company could better serve them, Walmart shared that over half (55%) expressed a desire to have their prescriptions delivered along with their groceries and other items they need in a single online order. This service was the most requested by Walmart customers who self-identified as time-sensitive, busy families.

"At the core of the new offering is something unique to Walmart—a local, still-expanding group of best-in-class pharmacies. Walmart empowers its pharmacists to practice at the top of their clinical abilities, and with this latest offering, they’re able to do more for their communities, too. And when those communities have convenient access to care, they live better, healthier lives," the company said.

"Our extensive footprint across the nation combined with our deep expertise in pharmacy uniquely positions us to make a profound impact in the communities we serve," said Kevin Host, senior vice president of pharmacy at Walmart U.S. “We understand that health care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s hyper-local. Each community has unique needs. This new offering allows us to continue serving customers while also giving more time back to our pharmacies for high-touch health services.”

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By integrating the pharmacy offering into delivery with the Walmart app, it's easier than ever to get everything needed—all in one stop. Customers will be able to seamlessly add prescriptions along with other items from their local Walmart in a single order, available both in-app and online. They will be able to tailor the experience to fit their unique needs and lifestyles—choosing from a suite of delivery options powered by technology that will eventually include:

• Same-Day Scheduled Delivery: Customers will be able to schedule their Pharmacy Delivery for a specific time that fits their schedule.
• On-Demand and Express Delivery: Coming soon, customers will have the option to choose On-Demand or Express Delivery. With these options, they’ll be able to receive their prescription within hours or with Express Delivery in as soon as 30 minutes.

New or existing insurance plans will be applied to the transaction just as they would when picking up a prescription in-store.

“Helping customers solve missions is core to everything we do. By combining Pharmacy Delivery into a single order, we're strengthening our commitment to providing everything they need, whenever and wherever they need it,” said Tom Ward, executive vice president and chief eCommerce officer, Walmart U.S. “If you’re sick, we can deliver the necessary medicine along with everything else you need to feel better: cough drops, a heating pad, blanket and orange juice. Walmart’s size, resources and expertise set it apart from other retailers.”

Walmart said that customer safety and security are top priorities. "We have procedures to have prescription medications verified by licensed pharmacists according to doctor’s orders. Additional measures remain in place for HIPAA-compliant transport from store to door: Medications are securely packaged in tamper-evident packaging, and customers can track their orders in real-time through the Walmart app or website. Once delivered, customers will receive a photo confirmation via the Walmart app and their email," Walmart said.

Walmart+ members will receive free delivery on Pharmacy Delivery. Non-Walmart+ members will pay the standard delivery charge of $9.95.

Walmart’s pharmacies, led by over 15,000 community-based pharmacists – nearly half of whom have been with the company for over a decade—play a vital role across thousands of communities through administering immunizations, providing treatments for common ailments like flu and strep and offering general wellness advice alongside other care offerings, Walmart said.

Walmart added, "As customers’ needs continue to evolve and change, so too will Walmart's omnichannel services. A flu test might result in a prescription for Tamiflu, while a sore throat could be soothed with tea and chicken noodle soup. Whether in-store or delivered right to a doorstep, Walmart is here to help customers live better.