Key facts
- Walmart is expanding health benefits for its 1.6 million US employees starting in 2027.
- Over 250 prescription drugs, including some insulin and inhalers, will be available at no cost.
- GLP-1 medications will be covered for associates with type 2 diabetes and prior authorization.
- Coverage for rare conditions will include no-cost specialists for evaluation and treatment review of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and ALS.
- Employees will have access to 12 weeks of paid leave for newborn NICU admissions, combinable with existing parental leave.
- Walmart's 2027 health plans will start at $39.80 per pay period, a $1.50 increase from 2026.
Walmart is enhancing its health benefits for its 1.6 million US employees, with new offerings set to begin in 2027. The retail giant announced that health plan participants will have access to over 250 prescription drugs at no cost, a list that includes certain insulin and inhaler medications.
Additionally, associates diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who meet prior authorization requirements will have their GLP-1 medications covered. This policy mirrors a recent move by Starbucks, which adjusted its coverage for these sought-after obesity treatments, continuing to cover them for conditions other than weight loss.
The expanded drug list also encompasses medications for hemophilia and multiple sclerosis, which can incur significant monthly costs. Beyond prescriptions, Walmart is broadening its coverage for rare conditions, providing no-cost access to specialists for the evaluation and treatment review of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Starting in the new year, Walmart employees will also be eligible for 12 weeks of paid leave if their newborn requires admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This NICU leave can be used in conjunction with the existing 16 weeks of paid maternity and parental leave available to frontline workers.
The cost of Walmart's 2027 health plans will begin at $39.80 per pay period, representing a $1.50 increase from the 2026 plan costs.