HealthPartners closing 30 pharmacies, mail order operation

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Minnesota-based HealthPartners says it’s closing 30 retail pharmacies as well as its mail-order pharmacy operation next year.

The nonprofit health insurer said about 300 jobs will be eliminated, including about 100 pharmacists.

A HealthPartners vice president, Scott Schnuckle, says consumer preferences and pharmacy economics have changed to favor large-scale organizations that can provide extended hours, drive-through pickup and other conveniences.

HealthPartners also runs clinics and hospitals in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Regions Hospital in St. Paul and Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, The Star Tribune reported.

Besides hospitals, HealthPartners runs 55 primary care clinics, 22 urgent care centers and 24 dental clinics.

The pharmacies are expected to close early next year.

Get your weather forecast from people who actually live in your community. We update with short, easy-to-use video forecasts you can watch on your phone every day. Download the iOS or Android app here.

COPYRIGHT 2023 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.