Walmart bets on Medicare Advantage again with co-branded SCAN plan

 SCAN Health Plan has emerged as a major Medicare Advantage partner for retailers, with Walmart now partaking in a co-branded plan.

The health insurer and retailer are launching the plan in two states, according to a Sept. 16 SCAN news release. More than 2 million enrollees are expected to have access.

The MA offering could tie in pharmacy and vision services, food, and over-the-counter benefits, pending regulatory approval. The news release also said Walmart will leverage Everyday Health Signals, its AI-driven platform for tailored nutrition and wellness, in the collaboration.

“What makes this collaboration unique is Walmart’s role in customers’ everyday lives. Because customers regularly turn to Walmart for groceries and other everyday essentials, we have an opportunity for those who choose to participate, to use insights from their shopping experiences to make nutrition guidance more relevant and actionable,” said Pravene Nath, MD, group director for consumer health and data solutions at Walmart U.S. 

Walmart launched a Medicare insurance agency, Walmart Insurance Services, in 2020. SCAN’s news release said Walmart has been engaged in in-store insurance support for more than a decade, too.

This is not Walmart’s first foray into MA. The retailer started a collaboration with UnitedHealth Group in 2023, including work on a co-branded plan in Georgia. However, Walmart eventually closed ​​its health centers and ended virtual care services, and the plan shut down.

In August, SCAN announced plans to roll out insurance products with Costco, as well.

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/walmart-bets-on-medicare-advantage-again-with-co-branded-scan-plan/