Walmart to offer 250-plus free medications, including GLP-1s, to employees (updated)

Walmart

13/10/2026 16:35

Adds details in bullets 2 and 6
Oct 13 (Reuters) - Walmart WMT.O on Tuesday introduced a plan to offer employees more than 250 medications, including GLP-1s, insulin and inhalers at no cost, as the retailer expands healthcare benefits for its workforce.
     
Here are some details:
The largest U.S. private employer, with about 1.6 million domestic workers, is in its annual enrollment season, which runs through Nov. 6.
The plan covers treatment at providers such as Mayo Clinic for serious conditions including cancer, plus free GLP-1s for associates with type 2 diabetes.
Surging healthcare expenses have been adding pressure on Americans who are already facing rising costs of living from inflation and oil prices.
"We're adding even more ways to help you and your family live better through comprehensive and affordable healthcare and benefits," Chief People Officer Donna Morris said in a memo.
Associates evaluated for or diagnosed with conditions, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, will get no-cost specialist evaluations, the company said.
Walmart, however, would raise starting health insurance premiums by $1.50 per biweekly pay period to $39.80, according to its website.
The retailer already offers benefits including 20 no-cost therapy sessions annually and up to $20,000 for fertility, adoption or surrogacy services.

 (Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)
 ((Neil.JKanatt@thomsonreuters.com))