Both Amazon and Walmart have several healthcare expansions on their strategic roadmaps as the two retail giants seek to take a share of the country’s healthcare spending, which is projected to increase 7% annually, reaching $987 billion by 2028, according to McKinsey.
A new Amazon Pharmacy feature is aimed at the one in five adults — 53 million Americans — who are caring for an aging adult with a new tool that allows caregivers to help manage their charges’ medication. Additionally, customers with Medicare can now access Amazon’s PillPack service, which delivers medications packaged into personalized tear-away packets that are organized and labeled by date and time, helping ensure patients take their medications consistently as prescribed.
“These updates deliver what our customers have been asking for — simpler medication management for themselves and their loved ones,” said John Love, VP of Amazon Pharmacy in a statement. “Whether you’re a caregiver juggling multiple prescriptions for an aging parent, or a customer who could benefit from the convenience of pre-sorted packets delivered reliably each month, we’re removing barriers and making pharmacy work better for you.”
Walmart Helps Medicare Members Identify Benefits-Eligible Products
Walmart has made it easier for Medicare Advantage customers to shop for OTC medications, as well as food and wellness items covered by supplemental benefits funds.
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By adding their benefit cards to their online Walmart account wallet, these shoppers will see a “benefits program eligible” badge on a broad assortment of products; they also can filter search results to include only benefits-eligible items, and those shopping in-store will see the badging when scanning items in the Walmart app. Customers also will now see a benefits tracker showing them how much they have left to spend.
Walmart Leverages AI to Encourage Healthy Eating
Additionally, Walmart is rolling out Everyday Health Signals, an AI-powered digital platform designed to help customers eat healthier by offering free, personalized guidance. Once customers opt in to the program, the platform analyzes their Walmart.com retail history to deliver practical tips such as nutrition analyses and shopping lists. Walmart is kicking off the program for Medicare Advantage members with NationsBenefits, and plans to expand the platform to additional health plans and benefits managers.
“By allowing customers the opportunity to make more informed choices with Walmart Everyday Health Signals, we’re creating the opportunity for widespread health impact,” said Pravene Nath, MD, Group Director, Consumer Health and Data Solutions at Walmart U.S. in a statement. “We’re innovating with tech-enabled health solutions that equip customers with a better understanding of how small decisions in the grocery aisle can help improve their overall health.”
An Instacart program that kicked off in 2023, Good Food for All, also helps people eat healthier via $50 per month in “produce credits” for families suffering food insecurity. Working with Partnership for a Healthier America, the credits can be redeemed in-store or online through Instacart Health Fresh Funds.
