Walmart Begins Delivering Prescription Drugs in Select States

Walmart has announced the launch of prescription medication delivery services in select states, marking a significant expansion in its pharmacy offerings. This new service is currently available in six states: Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. Walmart aims to extend its pharmacy delivery to 49 states by the end of January 2025.

The retailer’s extensive network, which includes over 4,600 stores across the U.S., allows it to deliver medications to more than 86% of households. Walmart’s decision to offer this service stems from a recent survey indicating that 55% of customers want the convenience of having their prescriptions delivered along with groceries and other items in a single order. This feature is particularly appealing to busy families looking for efficient shopping solutions.

Kevin Host, Walmart U.S. senior vice president of Pharmacy, emphasized that healthcare needs vary by community, and the new delivery option enables Walmart to better serve its customers while freeing up pharmacy staff to focus on more personalized health services. The delivery service can be accessed through the Walmart app or website, and it will eventually include same-day delivery options.

For Walmart+ members, prescription delivery will be free, while non-members will incur a fee of $9.95 per delivery. This move positions Walmart to compete more aggressively in the pharmacy sector, especially as other retail giants like Amazon are also expanding their pharmacy services.

Amazon recently announced plans to open 20 new pharmacies in 2025, focusing on rapid medication delivery through its Same-Day Delivery sites in cities including Boston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and San Diego. The increasing involvement of retail giants in the pharmacy space reflects the growing demand for accessible healthcare services integrated with everyday shopping experiences.