You can buy your groceries, pick up your prescriptions, get your car’s oil changed, sign up for a low-cost checking account, and enroll in health insurance, all at Walmart. The retail giant is taking one-stop shopping to a whole new level.
Walmart recently announced it has teamed up with DirectHealth.com, an insurance comparison website, to help customers choose a health insurance plan.
The retailer will house DirectHealth insurance agents in 2,700 of its 4,300 stores across the U.S. starting Oct. 10, Money said. The agents will help shoppers compare insurance coverage options, including Medicare plans, as well as sign up for a policy.
“For years, our customers have told us that there is too much complexity when it comes to understanding their health insurance options,” said Labeed Diab, president of Walmart’s health and wellness group, in a press release.
According to The Associated Press, Walmart has hosted insurance agents in the past to help answer customers’ questions about health insurance options, but the retailer said the Affordable Care Act has added another layer of confusion for customers.
“We saw a greater need to bring more transparency and simplicity,” Diab said.
Walmart will not receive commissions on health insurance sales. “DirectHealth is absorbing most of the costs to operate the program,” the AP said.
Of course, Walmart isn’t the only resource for consumers with insurance questions. Click here for five things you need to know about open enrollment for Obamacare.
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