It is a good market based solution to what may be (at least according to some pundits) the #1 problem - the lack of ‘preventive care’. So, here is the path to resolve that. Cheap medical exams, blood tests, x-rays and other examinations.
Even Dentistry plays a part, as dentists often are the first to find symptoms of various diseases including tonsillitis, strep throat, mouth lesions, oral cancer etc.
Seems like this is a sort of upgrade to the “free clinic” concept - community based preventive care and exams at a low cost. And it is smart for a company like WalMart to roll it out - they have the square footage to offer it, they are accessible, they serve many rural communities, and as a competitive move against Amazon they have another reason to bring people into their stores one or two more times a year.
It’s good capitalism, a market based solution to problems with medical accessibility. Increasing supply of medical care is the way to reduce the cost of medical care. Not top down dictates.
As an aside, a doctor on the UK’s NHS makes about 1/2 to 1/3 what a doctor in a major US City makes. I don’t think doctors are going to be in favor of single payer.
This is an upgrade to the “free clinic” concept - community based preventive care and exams at a low cost.
Also doctors who are happiest in the country - and the most innovative are ... wait for it... plastic surgeons... and why you might ask?
Because they deal directly with the patient for cash since most insurance polities don't cover them. Medical care is a product... and a good one. But it's been run the past 50 years much like it was run ... well... 50 years ago. This entry by Walmart will change that in a positive way.
And Trump can build a health security concept around the changes... for not much money and one that will help almost all Americans. The AMA has kept effective competition out of medical care for waaaaaaay too long. Thank God for Walmart...
New doctors and retired doctors will love this system because they get standard hours, don't have to worry about the business side of running an office AND don't have to pay the high malpractice insurance. It's a win for the old docs and for the young and for patients.
If Trump offers a $600 per year per citizen payment (to be used at the patients discretion) it will be a health care system that could put him over the top. People could spend the money at Walmart, or copays, for glasses, and all citizens would gain from the $600. Even seniors on Medicare Advantage could use the money for copays...
There’s some interesting studies that appear to show that “preventive care” on bulk actually has a negative impact on health outcomes.