BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Walmart announced on Tuesday that it will start delivering prescriptions across the U.S. next year.
The new service is available for both new prescriptions and medication refills.
Walmart said the service is already live in Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South Carolina and Wisconsin, but it is expected to be available to customers in 49 states by the end of January. The retailer told CNBC that deliveries will not be available in North Dakota due to state laws.
The service is free for Walmart+ members, the company’s paid membership program, and $9.95 per order for non-members.
The retailer said the prescriptions would be filled at Walmart stores and delivered to homes in tamper-proof packaging.
Health insurance plans will be applied to the transaction, like they would in the store, the company said.
Walmart said prescriptions will be delivered in as little as 30 minutes and should be available for over 86% of American households.
“If you’re sick, we can deliver the necessary medicine along with everything else you need to feel better: cough drops, a heating pad, blanket and orange juice. Walmart’s size, resources and expertise set it apart from other retailers.” Tom Ward, executive vice president and chief e-commerce officer at Walmart U.S., said in a news release.
Ward said pharmacy delivery is the No. 1 service requested by customers.
The company tested the service in multiple states and found customers took advantage of getting all of their items, including prescribed medications, in one delivery.
CBS News reports that Walmart’s announcement comes two weeks after Amazon said it would open pharmacies in 20 new cities across the country next year.
Other pharmacy chains, such as Walgreens and CVS, already offer same-day delivery for prescriptions.
