Walgreens expands virtual care, lays off 250 employees
ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES — Pharmacy store chain Walgreens has expanded its virtual healthcare offerings to 30 states, a significant increase from its initial launch in nine states.
This expansion, effective October 1, is part of the company’s strategy to provide accessible and affordable healthcare from home. Patients can connect with doctors and nurse practitioners via chat or video consultations for various health concerns.
Virtual healthcare expansion
The services cover common conditions like flu, COVID-19, acne, and pink eye, as well as more sensitive issues such as STD testing and treatment.
Starting November 1, Walgreens will also introduce lab services for wellness screenings and STD treatments, including conditions like chlamydia and trichomoniasis. These lab tests will help identify key health markers such as cholesterol and hemoglobin A1C levels, which are critical for diagnosing chronic conditions like diabetes.
“At Walgreens, we are committed to expanding access to affordable, high-quality healthcare,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sashi Moodley. “With this expansion, we’re making it easier for patients to get the care they need—whether it’s for common health concerns or more sensitive issues like STD testing and treatment.”
Affordable and convenient care options
Walgreens Virtual Healthcare offers flexible pricing for patients without insurance coverage. Chat consultations are $33, while video visits range from $36 to $75, depending on the condition.
While insurance is not yet accepted for virtual visits, prescriptions can still be covered by insurance at any pharmacy. Additionally, patients can use Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to pay for services.
The expansion of these virtual services complements Walgreens’ other digital health initiatives, including its 24/7 Pharmacy Chat and Same Day Prescription Delivery.
Layoffs hit support center employees
In tandem with its healthcare expansion, Walgreens is implementing significant cost-saving measures. The company announced it would lay off 256 support center roles as part of its broader effort to improve financial performance. This marks the third round of layoffs in 2024.
In a statement to Fierce Healthcare, Walgreens spokesman Fraser Engerman explained, “While decisions like these are always difficult, we believe this action is necessary to position us to rapidly respond to the changing external environment.”
These layoffs followed earlier cuts in May and July that affected hundreds of corporate employees and distribution center workers. The cost-saving efforts come as Walgreens faces financial challenges, including a $3 billion loss in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, and plans to close 1,200 stores over the next three years.
Despite these challenges, Walgreens remains focused on stabilizing its retail pharmacy business while continuing to invest in digital healthcare solutions.
