Overview
- Walmart announced the changes on Tuesday and will make more than 250 prescription drugs available at no cost to eligible employees for the 2027 plan year.
- The company will cover some insulin and inhalers at no charge and will provide GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro at no cost for employees with Type 2 diabetes after a new prior authorization.
- Walmart is expanding specialist access through a Rare Conditions Center of Excellence with the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic to offer free evaluations and second opinions for MS, Parkinson’s and ALS.
- Starting in November, eligible parents can take up to 12 weeks of paid NICU leave that can be combined with existing maternity or parental leave.
- Walmart raised its lowest-cost health plan by $1.50 per pay period to about $39.80 and said the package is intended to improve benefits without large premium hikes, a choice that may influence how other large employers manage rising drug costs.