We once discussed Walmart here. I have some news that is a plus for the company:
HealthAllies and SAM'S CLUB to Offer Up to 50% Savings on Healthcare Products and Medical Services
Monday March 7, 9:00 am ET
- New Health Discount Program Provides SAM'S CLUB Members Affordable Option to Help Ease Healthcare Costs
BENTONVILLE, Ark., March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- SAM'S CLUB is helping consumers and small businesses meet the growing challenge of skyrocketing healthcare costs by partnering with a leading provider of discounted healthcare services to add an affordable health benefit for its members nationwide.
In partnership with HealthAllies, a UnitedHealth Group company, SAM'S CLUB today announced the introduction of a new health discount program designed to provide up to 50 percent savings on health and well-being services traditionally not covered by medical insurance.
Available to Members of all 552 SAM'S CLUB locations nationwide, the HealthAllies discount program includes savings on:
* Medical care
* Dental care, including cosmetic dentistry
* LASIK
* Alternative treatments like chiropractics, acupuncture and massage
therapy
* Weight loss programs, including popular names such as Weight
Watchers®
* Hearing aids
* Home health care
* Fitness club memberships through GlobalFit, including select Bally
Total Fitness, Gold's Gym and Ladies Workout Express locations
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 43 million Americans do not have health insurance. The problem is just as serious for small business owners. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), employers' health insurance costs have risen 15-20% per year over the past four years, making healthcare affordability the #1 issue facing small businesses.
"At SAM'S CLUB, we recognize that operating efficiency and employee retention are vital to the success of small businesses," said Cara Kinzey, Vice President of Membership for SAM'S CLUB. "The HealthAllies discount program is a cost-effective way to help make quality health care more affordable for small businesses and their employees."
The SAM'S CLUB/HealthAllies discount program is not a traditional health insurance product. It is a money-saving program that complements Members' existing health care coverage. For the SAM'S CLUB Member who may not have access to traditional medical coverage, the health discount program can help put quality health care within reach by offering access to a network of more than 250,000 physicians, practitioners and facilities nationwide, as well as online providers.
"Much like the SAM'S CLUB philosophy of making warehouse-style discounts available to individuals and small businesses, HealthAllies' mission has always been to provide individual consumers access to discounted rates like those enjoyed by very large purchasers and insurance companies," said Andy Slavitt, founder of HealthAllies. "Combining the buying power of our participants enables us to negotiate valuable discounts with health care providers so Members don't have to pay full price for out-of-pocket health care purchases -- a perfect fit for the SAM'S CLUB Member."
SAM'S CLUB Plus Members can enroll in the program at no charge. The SAM'S CLUB/HealthAllies discount program is available for a nominal fee as an added service to all members.
About SAM'S CLUB
SAM'S CLUB (http://www.samsclub.com ), a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT - News), is the largest warehouse chain in the United States serving individuals and small business owners. The purchasing agent of choice, SAM'S CLUB provides every day low cost to more than 46 million entrepreneurs and consumers.
About HealthAllies |
