Walmart Adds Pharmacy to Same-Day Delivery

Walmart is adding pharmacy options to its same-day delivery service. The company announced on Oct. 22, 2024, that it is expanding its delivery options. Therefore, customers can add prescriptions to their typical merchandise and grocery orders. This streamlines the process into a single delivery order.

This option is available in six states: Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. By January 2025, Walmart’s Pharmacy Delivery should be available to customers in 49 states. This will allow customers who can’t get to their Walmart pharmacy regularly to receive their new prescriptions and medication refills with ease.

Kevin Host, senior vice president of Pharmacy at Walmart U.S., explains, “Our extensive footprint across the nation combined with our deep expertise in pharmacy uniquely positions us to make a profound impact in the communities we serve. We understand that health care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s hyper-local. Each community has unique needs. This new offering allows us to continue serving customers while also giving more time back to our pharmacies for high-touch health services.”

Prescription Delivery Is the No. 1 Requested Item

Walmart to deliver prescription medications as soon as 30 minutes https://t.co/T8sWfRuj4j pic.twitter.com/cF1AG1V73P

— Reuters (@Reuters) October 22, 2024

According to a recent customer survey, Walmart customers were asked how the company could better serve them. Per the press release, prescription delivery is the No. 1 requested item. The release states, “The service provides a significant benefit to Walmart customers and members, particularly families, seniors, and those managing chronic conditions who do not have time for multiple trips. For Walmart, reaching these people is no problem.”

Delivering prescriptions to customers, along with any other items they may need, allows families more time to take care of other needs within their household. The new service allows customers to tailor their deliveries to their schedules.

Walmart offers the following options for their customers. First, there is an option of same-day scheduled delivery. This offering fits a specific window of time that fits a person’s schedule. Second, on-demand and express delivery allows for prescription delivery within hours or as soon as 30 minutes. Finally and most importantly, insurance plans will be applied to prescription transactions, in the same manner customers are accustomed to when picking up a prescription in-store.

“Helping customers solve missions is core to everything we do. By combining Pharmacy Delivery into a single order, we’re strengthening our commitment to providing everything they need, whenever and wherever they need it,” said Tom Ward, executive vice president and chief eCommerce officer of Walmart. “If you’re sick, we can deliver the necessary medicine along with everything else you need to feel better: cough drops, a heating pad, a blanket, and orange juice. Walmart’s size, resources, and expertise set it apart from other retailers.” 

Walmart maintains strict procedures in place so prescription medications are verified by licensed pharmacists according to doctor’s orders. The company takes additional measures for HIPPA-compliant transport from store to door. Medications are securely packaged in tamper-evident packaging, and customers will be able to track their orders through the Walmart app or website. Once delivered, customers will receive a photo confirmation via the Walmart app and their email.