According to sources deepening its existing partnership with Humana, or even acquiring the company outright, could be a step toward turning its 4,700 or so US stores into healthcare centres that aim to attract more shoppers over 65. Charles Sizemore, founder of Sizemore Capital Management LLC, who owns shares of Walmart said "The end goal here is to get more people in their stores, get them to buy drugs and make an additional purchase while they are in the store".
He said if Walmart can offer "competitive rates" on primary care and other health services, it "can grow traffic and push store visits." Previously Walmart approached Humana in March, and the companies began to discuss closer ties focused on new partnerships, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Sources added that an acquisition of Humana by Walmart is also being discussed.
Moreover the closer ties between the two could
enable the retailer to tap into Humana's patient roster and possibly put some
of its physician clinics in stores to offer medical care to customers. Further
Walmart is the largest retailer to hit upon the combination of retail and
health insurance, but it is not the first. According to sources Walmart
superstores "could be a one-stop shop for seniors," and that Humana
already has about 50 pharmacies sharing locations with doctors' clinics, and
could expand that model using Walmart's real estate and pharmacies.
