Health care
BY CONNOR PITTMAN
Walmart aims to make health care affordable, accessible
same level of care regardless of their income,” Peloquin said. The details Walmart offers automatic prescription refills for generic drugs in both 30- and 90-day dosages, but can also work with specialty pharmacies to fill more advanced prescriptions, Peloquin said. The company is also trying to place pharmacies within most stores in an effort to reduce barriers to health care and make it easier for individuals to access two basic needs in the same place. Walmart employs thousands of pharmacists, who dispense and advise patients on medications, and pharmacist technicians, which run cash registers and help with clerical work. “They’re not always going to go to the doctor, but they’re going to go to the grocery store,” she said. Drone delivery, which allows customers to get medications and groceries at the same time, and virtual care are also available, Peloquin said,
As health care becomes more expensive with Texas families on average paying more than $7,500 annually, Walmart is attempting to address the issue. A report by Texas 2036, a nonpartisan public policy organization, found that 41% of likely Texas voters, over half of which are mothers, skipped on health care because they did not know the final cost. In the same report, 39% of adults worried about their ability to cover the cost of health care. Flower Mound resident Shantay Peloquin, the regional director for Walmart Health and Wellness in North Texas, said the company strives to make health care more accessible and affordable. While insurance covers most treatments offered through Walmart Health and Wellness, Walmart is committed to price transparency, Peloquin added. Price transparency is one way to address increas- ing health care costs, per the Texas 2036 report. “We think that everybody should have the
Walmart Health and Wellness figures Services are widely available at most Walmarts.
Over 600 pharmacies across Texas
Over 3,900 pharmacist technicians in Texas
More than 1,600 registered pharmacists statewide
SOURCE: WALMART/COMMUNITY IMPACT
further reducing barriers for health care. What else? Walmart Health and Wellness also offers vac- cines and travel immunizations. For individuals 14 years old and older, travel immunizations are available without a prescription as of May. Many Walmart stores also offer optical services through independent optometrists, Peloquin said.
Treat Yourself
to Stunning
A Tradition Of Care You Can Trust™
55+ Active Adult
To schedule your free in-home informational visit, please call us at (214) 689-0000 or email gethelp@vnatexas.org VNA Hospice & Supportive Palliative Care A Tradition Of Care You Can Trust™ vnatexas.org
CRAIG RANCH
meracraigranch.com • (469) 415-8966
21
MCKINNEY EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook