Walmart to test new health care services for workers
By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO
AP Retail Writer
NEW YORK (AP) - Walmart is rolling out a health care pilot program for its employees that will come up with a curated list of high quality providers but offer fewer choices than under the current plan.
Through the program, Walmart will help employees connect with local doctors in areas like primary care, cardiology and obstetrics. It is working with a company called Embold Health to cull through vast amounts of data from public and private insurance plans to come up with recommended providers based on effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Walmart will in turn use that data to curate a list for employees.
The downside of the program is that employees will be faced with fewer doctor choices. Walmart says that workers can use doctors who are not on the company’s list but it will cost more.
Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.