Walmart acquires some assets of CareZone for prescription management

Walmart announced Monday (June 15) the acquisition of certain assets of health services platform CareZone for an undisclosed amount. Included in the deal are the technology platform, patents and intellectual property of CareZone, which offers organization of health information and access to health services.

CareZone has developed a mobile app that helps individuals and families manage medicine and chronic illness for each member of the household. Families can use the app to scan labels or insurance cards to speed and simplify the process.

“We’re also excited to welcome the 25 to 30 members of CareZone’s product and technology team that built their app, and who will help us innovate and integrate faster with Walmart’s existing systems. The technology and team members joining Walmart will augment our current Health & Wellness capabilities and support our focus on digital health care solutions. CareZone will remain a separate company unrelated to Walmart,” noted Lori Flees and Sean Slovenski, heads of health and wellness divisions at Sam’s Club and Walmart U.S.

According to a survey of U.S. customers conducted by Walmart, cost is the top barrier to healthcare for 43% of Walmart shoppers, followed by convenience (27%) and access (22%). Additionally, 40% of those surveyed have delayed medical care.

CareZone, which was founded in 2010, develops apps to help people manage their medicines. It also built technology for users to scan insurance cards and prescription drug labels, making it easier to figure out what’s covered by their health plan or to organize a home delivery. The apps have about 3.5 million members, according to CareZone CEO Jonathan Schwartz.

“The goal of any technology startup is to build a product or experience that touches the lives of as many people as possible,” said Walter Smith, co-founder and chief technology officer of CareZone. “Adding our technology platform to Walmart’s existing digital capabilities and physical reach creates a unique opportunity to redefine what the future of digital health and wellness can look like. The CareZone team members joining Walmart are excited to bring our knowledge and apply it to such a broad canvas.”