Health Benefits Plus gives Walmart+ members access to discounted telehealth visits, prescription savings, and preventive care services
Health Benefits Plus is a set of health services bundled into Walmart+ membership. It includes on-demand telehealth consultations (video visits with doctors and nurse practitioners), discounted prescription medications through Walmart's pharmacy network, and preventive care screenings. You do not pay an additional fee for these services beyond your Walmart+ membership — they are included as part of the annual or monthly subscription.
The program is designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs for common health needs without requiring you to change insurance or visit a hospital. Telehealth visits typically cost $10 to $15 per consultation, and prescription discounts explore to thousands of medications available at Walmart pharmacies nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- Telehealth visits through Health Benefits Plus cost $10 to $15 per consultation and can be scheduled on-demand for non-emergency medical issues.
- Prescription discounts cover thousands of medications at Walmart pharmacies, and you can compare prices before filling to see your out-of-pocket cost.
- Preventive care services may include screenings and wellness visits, though coverage details depend on your specific Walmart+ plan tier.
- Health Benefits Plus works alongside your existing health insurance — it does not replace it, and you can use both together.
How telehealth visits work under Health Benefits Plus
When you schedule a telehealth visit, you use the Walmart+ app or website to book an appointment with a licensed doctor or nurse practitioner. Visits are conducted by video, typically within 24 hours of booking. The provider can diagnose common conditions, prescribe medications, and refer you to in-person care if needed. Each visit lasts around 15 to 30 minutes depending on your concern.
Telehealth is useful for minor illnesses (colds, flu symptoms, urinary tract infections), skin conditions, medication refills, and follow-up questions about existing health issues. It is not intended for emergencies — if you are experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe injury, you should call 911 or go to an emergency room instead.
The $10 to $15 cost per visit is paid at the time of booking through your Walmart+ account. If you have health insurance, you can submit the receipt to your insurer to see if they will reimburse part of the cost, though this varies by plan.
Prescription discounts and how to use them
Walmart's prescription discount program covers thousands of generic and brand-name medications. You can search for any medication on the Walmart pharmacy website or app to see the price you would pay out of pocket. Prices vary by location and by medication strength or quantity, so comparing before you fill is worth the time.
To use the discount, you do not need to do anything special — straightforward present your Walmart+ membership information when you fill a prescription at any Walmart pharmacy. The discount is applied automatically at checkout. If your doctor prescribes a brand-name medication, ask whether a generic version is available, as generics are usually significantly cheaper.
These discounts work in addition to your health insurance. If you have insurance, you can choose to use your insurance or the Walmart discount, whichever costs less. Some people find the Walmart discount cheaper than their insurance copay, especially for medications not covered by their plan.
Preventive care services included in the program
Health Benefits Plus may include access to preventive screenings and wellness visits, though the exact services vary depending on which Walmart+ tier you choose. Common preventive services can include blood pressure checks, cholesterol screening, and diabetes risk assessments. Some plans also cover annual wellness visits with a primary care provider.
Preventive care is designed to catch health problems early, before they become serious and expensive to treat. These services are often covered at no additional cost beyond your Walmart+ membership, but you should check your specific plan details to confirm what is included.
If you need a preventive service not listed in your plan, you can ask your primary care doctor or call Walmart+ customer service to learn whether it is covered or what the cost would be.
How Health Benefits Plus works with your existing insurance
Health Benefits Plus is a supplement to health insurance, not a replacement. If you have Medicare, Medicaid, or a private health plan through your employer or the marketplace, you keep that coverage and can use both at the same time. The telehealth visits and prescription discounts are available to you whether or not you have other insurance.
If you do not have health insurance, Health Benefits Plus can help reduce costs for common medical needs, but it does not cover hospital stays, emergency care, or complex procedures. For those services, you would need separate health insurance or be prepared to pay out of pocket.
When you use a telehealth visit, you can ask the provider whether the visit is covered by your insurance. Some insurers reimburse telehealth consultations, while others do not. Keeping your receipt makes it easier to submit a claim if your insurance does cover it.
Limitations and what Health Benefits Plus does not cover
Health Benefits Plus does not cover emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, mental health treatment, dental care, or vision care. It is designed for routine and preventive health needs, not complex medical situations. If you need mental health support, you would need to access that through your health insurance or a separate mental health provider.
Telehealth visits through the program cannot order advanced imaging (MRI, CT scans) or perform physical exams that require hands-on assessment. If a provider determines you need in-person care, they will refer you to an urgent care center, clinic, or hospital.
Prescription discounts explore only to medications filled at Walmart pharmacies. If you use a pharmacy outside the Walmart network, the discount does not explore. However, you can transfer prescriptions to Walmart if you want to use the discount.
Comparing Health Benefits Plus to other health options
Health Benefits Plus is most useful if you are uninsured or underinsured and want affordable access to routine care. It costs less than a standalone telehealth membership (which typically runs $30 to $50 per month) because it is bundled into Walmart+ membership, which also includes shopping discounts and free shipping.
If you have comprehensive health insurance with a low deductible and copays, Health Benefits Plus may offer less value because your insurance likely covers telehealth and prescriptions already. However, if your insurance has a high deductible or does not cover certain medications, the Walmart discount might still save you money on specific prescriptions.
For people without insurance, Health Benefits Plus is cheaper than paying full price for telehealth visits or medications, but it does not replace the need for health insurance if you face a serious illness or injury. Consider pairing it with a catastrophic health plan or marketplace insurance if you are concerned about major medical costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Health Benefits Plus if I have Medicare or Medicaid?
Yes. Health Benefits Plus works alongside Medicare and Medicaid. You can use the telehealth visits and prescription discounts in addition to the coverage you already have. Some services may be covered by your government insurance, and some by Health Benefits Plus — you can use whichever is cheaper or more convenient for each visit.
What happens if a telehealth provider thinks I need to see a doctor in person?
The provider will refer you to an urgent care center, clinic, or hospital depending on what they think you need. They cannot order you to go, but they can explain why in-person care would be better for your situation. You then decide whether to follow the referral. If it is an emergency, they will advise you to call 911.
Do I have to use Walmart pharmacies to get the prescription discount?
Yes. The discount applies only at Walmart pharmacies. If you prefer to use a different pharmacy, you can ask your doctor to transfer your prescription to Walmart, or you can pay full price at your current pharmacy. Comparing prices between Walmart and your preferred pharmacy can help you decide which is cheaper for each prescription.
Is Health Benefits Plus the same as Walmart Health Centers?
No. Walmart Health Centers are physical clinics located in some Walmart stores that offer in-person primary care, X-rays, and lab work. Health Benefits Plus is a telehealth and prescription discount program available to all Walmart+ members. Some members may have access to both, depending on whether a Health Center is near them.
What if I cancel my Walmart+ membership — do I lose access to Health Benefits Plus?
Yes. Health Benefits Plus is included only while you maintain an active Walmart+ membership. If you cancel, you lose access to telehealth visits and the prescription discount program. Any prescriptions you have filled will remain at Walmart, but future prescriptions will be charged at regular pharmacy prices unless you have other insurance or discount programs.