http://www.ijreview.com/2014/07/158351-walmart-solution-rising-healthcare-prices-2/by Caroline Schaeffer
July 18, 2014
As healthcare prices are taking off, a new player is stepping into the arena, and, if successful, could help drive down healthcare costs across every community it enters. And if you’re like 60% of Americans, it’s in a store you already visit once a week.
Walmart has announced that it is opening health clinics in two locations in South Carolina and a few in Texas by the end of July. And just as you’d hope, the “rollback” prices the company is known for will apply to its health care costs, too.
According to
WIS-TV News, employees will be charged only $4 and customers will pay $40 for access to care. This is one more piece of evidence that, despite the repeated claim that Walmart mistreats its workers, the company is actually a great employer.
Available medical care ranges from screenings and vaccinations, to treatment of illnesses, including chronic conditions.
Many might suggest that a “big box” store will drive family practitioners out of business. But instead of being wary of the competition, family doctor Jason Leonard of Sumter, SC told WIS-TV News that he’s hailing its arrival.
Walmart’s idea could change the face of healthcare and drive down prices across the board. This is exactly what happens when government’s failure to lower prices is met with free market innovation. Bravo, Walmart!
