Kroger launches new fulfillment program at eight locations in same state after Walmart Health closes all 51 centers

KROGER revealed its new fulfillment program amid the closure of Walmart health centers across the country.

The health initiative is delivered through The Little Clinic LLC and will have at least eight locations accessible to customers.

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Senior shoppers in Atlanta, Georgia will be able to access clinics at Kroger stores in the area for a Press release.

Kroger Health partnered with Better Health Group, a primary care organization, to create the initiative with The Little Clinic for its customers.

Kroger said it “aims to increase access to senior-focused, comprehensive primary care designed to improve health outcomes and the patient experience.”

Patients attending any of the eight clinics at Kroger stores will be permitted extended in-person visits with a primary care provider.

Visits can include annual wellness exams, disease management, preventative care, and other customizable care plans.

Seniors will also have the option to access Kroger Health services such as “comprehensive medication reviews” and nutritional counseling.

Kroger also noted in the release that the initiative would primarily focus on Medicare Advantage members and traditional Medicare beneficiaries.

The retailer said it hopes to be able to offer a “more human approach” to healthcare through operations at the eight clinics.

James Kirby, chief commercial officer at Kroger Health, emphasized that the needs of senior customers are a “top priority.”

“Offering seniors a place to receive specialized, convenient care is critical,” he said.

“Kroger Health is committed to providing the personalized care our seniors deserve, and we make meeting their specific and unique needs a top priority.”

“We are excited to provide coordinated, senior-focused primary care in the metro Atlanta area, especially in several medically underserved counties,” added Kirby.

WALMART SAYS GOODBYE

Kroger’s announcement to expand its position in the healthcare business comes less than a month after Walmart decided to completely shut down its healthcare services.

All 51 Walmart health centers in five states were confirmed for closure in an April 30 announcement.

Its Virtual Care services were also shut down, with Walmart saying it was “not a sustainable business model.”

Walmart’s decision was a complete 360-degree turnaround from the previously planned expansion of its 24/7 healthcare offerings to customers, according to USA today.

Walmart stores closed in 2024

So far, Walmart has closed the following stores in 2024:

• San Diego, California – February 9
• El Cajon, California – February 9
• Columbus, Ohio – February 16
• West Covina, California – March 29
• Towson, Maryland – April 5
• Granite Bay, California – April 12
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin – May 19

No specific closing date for Walmart Health’s physical locations has been provided yet.

Sources close to the matter said they expect operations to end within 45 to 90 days of the April announcement, for CNBC.

For more related content, check out The US Sun’s coverage of the new shopping benefit Kroger plans to launch that could save customers $140 a year.

The US Sun also has the story on what shoppers should expect from Walmart’s 2024 Memorial Day sale.