Full Breakdown
Walmart Expands Free Prescription Coverage and Adds New Health Perks for U.S. Workers in 2027
By Drooid · · How we work
New Health Benefit Package for Walmart Workers
Beginning in 2027, Walmart will provide employees with no-cost access to more than 250 prescription drugs, including insulin, inhalers, and the GLP-1 diabetes injections Ozempic (Novo Nordisk) and Mounjaro (Eli Lilly). The coverage applies after a new prior-authorization step for people with type 2 diabetes. In addition, the retailer is adding a second-opinion program for rare neurological conditions (ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease) through the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that can be combined with existing parental leave.
Context and Rationale
The announcement arrives as many large employers are tightening benefits to curb rising medical costs. Walmart, the nation’s biggest private employer, has faced criticism over past wage and health-care offerings. By expanding coverage and limiting premium hikes, the company aims to improve retention and attract workers amid a competitive labor market.
Key Benefits and Numbers
- Prescription coverage: >250 drugs, featuring insulin, inhalers, Ozempic, Mounjaro, migraine, dementia, cardiovascular, hemophilia, and multiple-sclerosis medications.
- Employee base: Walmart reports roughly 2.1 million associates worldwide, with about 1.6 million in the United States.
- Premiums: Starting next year, the employee health-plan premium will rise $1.50 per pay period to $39.80, a smaller increase than the prior year.
- Specialist access: Employees with ALS, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease can obtain a no-cost second opinion from the Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic.
- NICU leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for newborns in intensive care, stackable with up to 16 weeks of existing maternity/parental leave.
Official Statements & Responses
Walmart’s chief people officer, Donna Morris, outlined the changes in a memo to staff, emphasizing that the expanded drug list and specialist program are intended to address “rare conditions” and high-cost treatments. A company spokesperson noted that the premium increase is lower than the 2026 rise, reflecting “years of planning and testing” that allow improvements without “significantly raising insurance premiums.” The retailer also highlighted a broader benefits push that includes tuition assistance, virtual care, and fertility services.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The steps we're taking are based on years of planning and trying new things, which is allowing us to make meaningful improvements for associates without slashing benefits or significantly raising premiums,” — Walmart — Walmart