SCAN Health Plan is partnering with retail giant Walmart to launch a co-branded Medicare Advantage plan in two states, the companies announced Wednesday.
SCAN and Walmart will connect co-branded Medicare Advantage offerings “more closely” with Walmart’s health and wellness products and services and its technology capabilities. Pending regulatory review and approvals, the companies say offerings could include pharmacy services, vision services, food and over-the-counter benefits.
Moreover, Walmart will use its artificial intelligence-driven platform Everyday Health Signals, which allows users to share wellness goals and receive personalized insights.
“At SCAN, we believe healthcare is better when it is personalized to the individual, and when members choose to opt in, data can help us deliver a more relevant experience tailored to their needs,” said Zack Myers, SCAN Health Plan national general manager, in a statement. “By combining Walmart’s technology capabilities and consumer retail expertise with SCAN’s Medicare product experience, we have an opportunity to develop products that translate those insights into meaningful support that helps members make more informed choices about their health and well-being.”
Walmart U.S. Group Director for Consumer Health and Data Solutions Pravene Nath, M.D., said in a statement the company has been aiding customers in navigating Medicare choices “for more than a decade.”
Nath added that the collaboration is unique because of “Walmart’s role in customers’ everyday lives.”
“Because customers regularly turn to Walmart for groceries and other everyday essentials, we have an opportunity for those who choose to participate, to use insights from their shopping experiences to make nutrition guidance more relevant and actionable,” Nath said. “Combined with Walmart’s breadth across food, pharmacy, vision and other health and wellness services, and SCAN’s deep Medicare expertise, we can create a more connected experience that helps older adults take action on their health goals as part of their everyday routines.”
SCAN recently announced the launch of an expanded partnership with Costco. The two organizations first partnered in October. The initial plans include a Medicare Advantage plan available in two states and Medicare supplement coverage in a third. The organizations said the launch makes for Costco's "first comprehensive partnership" with an MA plan.