Walmart Expands Employee Benefits to Include Free Ozempic and Mounjaro Coverage
Walmart Inc. (WMT) is expanding its healthcare coverage next year by offering more than 250 prescription medications at no cost to workers enrolled in its medical plans. The expanded drug list includes diabetes treatments Ozempic and Mounjaro for employees with Type 2 diabetes, subject to prior approval. Coverage also extends to certain insulins, inhalers, and treatments for cardiovascular disease, dementia, and migraines. Beyond pharmacy benefits, the company is adding 12 weeks of paid leave for parents whose newborns require neonatal intensive care, as well as access to specialist second opinions from the Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and ALS.
The expansion comes as intense competition for workers forces major employers to use comprehensive benefit packages as a key retention tool alongside hourly wages. While health insurance premiums are projected to rise next year, Walmart expects the rate of increase to be smaller than the increase experienced in 2026.
Investors will be watching whether these enhanced health and leave benefits successfully improve frontline employee retention rates without putting meaningful upward pressure on overall operating costs.
Key points
- Walmart Inc. will cover over 250 prescription drugs at zero cost for eligible employees next year, including Ozempic and Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes.
- The retailer is adding 12 weeks of paid leave for workers whose newborns require neonatal intensive care.
- Eligible staff evaluated for conditions like Parkinson's disease or ALS can access second opinions from Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic.
- Health insurance premiums are expected to rise next year, but at a lower rate than in 2026.
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Which prescription drugs is Walmart covering for free?
Walmart will cover over 250 prescription drugs at no cost for employees on its medical plans, including Ozempic and Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes with prior approval, as well as select insulins, inhalers, and medicines for cardiovascular disease, dementia, and migraines.
What new health and leave benefits is Walmart adding for employees?
Walmart is adding 12 weeks of paid leave for parents of newborns in neonatal intensive care and specialist second opinions from Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic for workers being evaluated for multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or ALS.
Why is Walmart expanding its employee healthcare benefits?
Walmart is expanding benefits to boost employee retention and make frontline positions more competitive without relying solely on wage increases.