Today in the Connected Economy: CVS Unveils Virtual Primary Care

Today in the connected economy, CVS Health is continuing its shift from a pharmacy-only focus to a larger healthcare effort with CVS Health Virtual Primary Care. Plus, Chick-fil-A becomes the latest fast-food chain to test robotic delivery, and buy now, pay later, (BNPL) company Affirm announces a new partnership with payments company Stripe.

CVS Health Debuts Virtual Primary Care

CVS Health’s evolution from a pharmacy-only focus to an overall healthcare effort is continuing with the debut of CVS Health Virtual Primary Care, a virtual care solution available through a digital platform. CVS Health Virtual Primary Care “connects CVS Health’s services, clinical expertise and data for a more coordinated and consumer-centric healthcare experience,” the company said, adding it “enables consumers to choose care when and where they want.”

Chick-fil-A Tests Robotic Sandwich Delivery to Meet Off-Premise Demand

Chick-fil-A has become the latest major restaurant brand to test robotic delivery to meet demand despite significant capacity challenges. Autonomous robot delivery company Refraction said it is piloting self-driving vehicle delivery at two of the chicken sandwich chain’s locations in Austin, Texas.

Affirm Teams With Stripe to Drive Growth

Affirm has joined forces with financial infrastructure firm Stripe, making Affirm’s Adaptive Checkout available to U.S. Stripe users. Affirm’s Adaptive Checkout tool leverages the company’s smart decision engine to make real-time underwriting decisions and give consumers optimized bi-weekly and monthly installment options side by side.

SEB, Everyday People Team up on Healthcare Mastercard for Canadian SMBs

InsurTech SEB Administrative Services and consumer financing firm Everyday People have launched a healthcare spending account Mastercard in Canada. The health spending account is applicable particularly to small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and self-employed business owners, a population that includes more than 15 million employees and 2.5 million gig workers in Canada.