Walmart employee benefits add no-cost GLP-1s in 2027
CNBC • • business
Key Points:
- Walmart will cover over 250 prescriptions, including some insulin, inhalers, and GLP-1 diabetes medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, at no cost to employees starting in 2027, following prior authorization.
- The company will not cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, aligning with other large employers who limit coverage to control healthcare costs.
- Walmart is expanding benefits such as access to cancer specialists at Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, adding second opinions for rare conditions, and offering 12 weeks of neonatal intensive care unit leave for parents.
- Employee healthcare premium increases will be minimal, with the starting plan rate rising by only $1.50 per pay period to $39.80, a smaller hike than last year.
- These benefit enhancements are part of Walmart's ongoing efforts to improve employee compensation and healthcare offerings amid competitive labor market pressures.
