Walmart is breaking new ground by incorporating integrated behavioral health diabetes care into its virtual diabetes program, signaling a shift toward a more holistic approach to managing chronic conditions. Delivered through Walmart’s telehealth subsidiary MeMD, this program is tailored to help employers and payers support members living with diabetes, addressing both the physical aspects of the disease and the often-overlooked mental health challenges that accompany it.
Bridging the Gap Between Diabetes Management and Mental Health
Diabetes management is complex and requires ongoing monitoring of blood sugar levels, lifestyle changes, and medication adherence. However, behavioral health is a crucial piece of the puzzle that frequently goes unaddressed. Depression is a common co-occurring condition among people with diabetes—patients with diabetes are two to three times more likely to experience depression compared to those without the disease.
Despite this, access to behavioral health services remains limited. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that only 25% to 50% of people with diabetes who also suffer from depression receive a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This underdiagnosis and undertreatment contribute to poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare costs.
Walmart’s virtual diabetes care program directly tackles this challenge by including a behavioral health risk assessment as part of the initial patient evaluation. Program participants meet with a medical provider who reviews their medical and nutritional history and screens for depression and other mental health concerns. When behavioral health needs are identified, patients can be connected with licensed behavioral health providers for follow-up care. This integration of physical and mental healthcare is what makes the program a true model of integrated behavioral health diabetes care.
The Cost of Ignoring Behavioral Health in Diabetes
The consequences of untreated depression in people with diabetes are far-reaching. Dr. John Wigneswaran, Walmart’s Chief Medical Officer, points out that “failure to meet recommended treatment goals results in an extra five and a half days of missed work per person,” in addition to a higher risk of hospitalization. These missed workdays and increased hospital stays represent significant financial burdens both for patients and for employers.
Moreover, untreated depression can lead to poorer self-care, reduced medication adherence, and worsening of diabetes-related complications. By integrating behavioral health into diabetes care, Walmart aims to address these interconnected issues head-on, improving overall health outcomes and potentially reducing healthcare spending related to diabetes complications.
This emphasis on mental health alongside physical health exemplifies the promise of integrated behavioral health diabetes care to reduce both human and economic costs.
Walmart’s Expanding Behavioral Health Footprint
Walmart’s venture into behavioral health is not new but has steadily expanded over the last several years. In 2018, the company partnered with Boston-based Beacon Care Services to provide mental health support at its inaugural Walmart Healthcare Center. Since then, the partnership has broadened to include multiple centers across the country, offering patients increased access to mental health counseling and support.
In 2020, Walmart introduced a highly accessible mental health counseling option, allowing patients to speak to counselors at Walmart Health Centers for just $1 per minute. This transparent pricing model, which informs patients of service costs before treatment begins, distinguishes Walmart’s healthcare approach from many traditional providers where pricing can be opaque and unpredictable.
Leveraging Telehealth for Comprehensive Care
Walmart’s acquisition of virtual care provider MeMD in 2021 marked another milestone in its healthcare strategy. MeMD offers a range of telehealth services including urgent care, men’s and women’s health, talk therapy, teen therapy, and psychiatry. Integrating telehealth into its care delivery models enables Walmart to reach more patients conveniently and cost-effectively, overcoming traditional barriers to access such as transportation, scheduling conflicts, and stigma associated with visiting a mental health provider in person.
The inclusion of behavioral health services within the virtual diabetes care program reflects Walmart’s broader commitment to delivering whole-person care. By combining physical health management with mental health support through telehealth, Walmart is building a scalable, patient-centered model that exemplifies integrated behavioral health diabetes care.
The Future of Integrated Care at Walmart
Walmart’s innovative approach to integrating behavioral health with diabetes management underscores the growing recognition that mental health and physical health are inseparable. By addressing both simultaneously, Walmart aims to improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, and health outcomes while reducing costly complications and hospitalizations.
For employers and payers looking to enhance their employee and member health benefits, Walmart’s program offers a promising solution that goes beyond standard diabetes care. As behavioral health continues to be integrated into chronic disease management, models like Walmart’s virtual program may set new standards for accessible, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare in the years to come.
With its expanding network of healthcare centers, transparent pricing, and growing telehealth capabilities, Walmart is positioning itself as a leader in the shift toward integrated behavioral health diabetes care—helping patients live healthier, more balanced lives through comprehensive support.
