Walmart Health Centers Are Closing, Including In IL

ILLINOIS — After operating for five years, 51 Walmart Health centers are closing, the company announced Tuesday.

Illinois is home to one Walmart Health center. Other locations are in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Missouri and Texas.

Walmart cited increasing operating costs and a "challenging reimbursement environment" as the reason for the closure.

"While our mission to help people save money and live better remains, today we are sharing the difficult decision to close Walmart Health and Walmart Health Virtual Care," the company said in a news release.

"Through our experience managing Walmart Health centers and Walmart Health Virtual Care, we determined there is not a sustainable business model for us to continue. ... We understand this change affects lives — the patients who receive care, the associates and providers who deliver care and the communities who supported us along the way."

It is unknown when each center will officially close.

Walmart Health operates a center on Chicago's northwest side at 1715 N. Kilpatrick Ave.

Walmart's 4,600 pharmacies and 3,000-plus vision centers will remain open, the company said. Immunizations, as well as testing and treatment services and health screenings, are offered at the pharmacies.

Walmart Health workers can transfer to other Walmart or Sam's Club locations and will be paid for 90 days, unless they choose to transfer to another location during the three-month period or leave the company.

Severance benefits will be available for eligible staffers after the 90 days, the company said.

"Today and in the coming days, we are focused on continuity of care for patients and providing impacted associates with respect and assistance as we begin the closing process of the health care centers. The associates and providers have made an incredible difference for their patients and communities, and they are a priority," the company said in the release.

"... Our provider partners will continue to serve existing patients while clinics are open. ... We are deeply grateful to these associates and providers for their caring service to patients in our communities and to the patients who trusted us with their care."