Sam’s Club Introduces Healthcare Benefits

Sam’s Club is partnering with Humana and other companies to offer members in Michigan, Pennsylvania and North Carolina discounts on healthcare services, including primary care and dental services, The Associated Press reported on Thursday (Sept. 26).

If the pilot program is successful, Sam’s Club Care Accelerator Together with Humana will be offered to all members.

Beginning in early October, Sam’s Club members in test states can purchase one of four bundles that offer savings on several services, including unlimited telehealth for $1 per visit through an on-demand primary care app 98point6.

The telehealth program utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose and treat people without talking to a doctor. After users explain their symptoms to a chatbot, the details are given to a medical professional for a treatment plan. Patients can also see a doctor in person or over video chat.

Each bundle offers free prescriptions on five to 20 generic medications depending on the bundle selected. The family bundle costs $240 per year and covers up to six family members. It includes free preventive screenings, up to a 30 percent discount on chiropractic, massage therapy and acupuncture services, and a 10 percent discount on hearing aids.

Healthcare, among the biggest industries in the world, is being massively disrupted, an effort that could take years or even decades before all the dust settles. In the meantime, the digital, mobile, delivery and other innovations that are taking place in this sector are also promising to impact retailers and the consumers who shop not only with mom-and-pop stores, but with the bigger chains.

Sam’s Club healthcare pilot follows Walmart’s announcement that it has opened a Walmart Health clinic in Georgia. The Dallas, Georgia location will reportedly provide patients with low-cost, comprehensive care, including services for mental health. The clinic is located in a building that is adjacent to a Walmart location to offer patients a sense of privacy. Primary care, counseling, dental, X-rays, audiology and labs are among other offerings.