Walmart customers in Michigan will soon be able to have their groceries and their prescriptions delivered at the same time. On Tuesday, Walmart began offering prescription delivery in Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South Carolina and Wisconsin, with plans to expand to 49 states by the end on January 2025.
The decision to add prescription delivery came in part after a survey conducted by the company found that 55% of those surveyed expressed a desire to be able to have their prescriptions and groceries delivered in a single online order.
“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.”
Delivery will be available for new prescriptions and for refills of existing prescriptions. When the service is fully available, customers will be able to receive same-day delivery of prescriptions, along with being able to receive on-demand and express delivery.
Insurance plans will be applied to the prescriptions, the same way they are at the in-store pharmacy. It’s worth noting that prescriptions for controlled substances, those that need refrigeration, and Medicare Part B items will not be available for delivery.
Walmart says the deliveries will feature HIPAA-compliant transport from store to door and medications will be secure in tamper-evident packaging. Customers will also be able to track their orders in real-time through the company app.
With 4,600 stores nationwide, Walmart says it expects it will be able to provide delivery to more than 86% of households in the U.S. The service will be free for Walmart+ members, while non members will be subject to a $9.95 delivery fee.