Health · Healthcare & Policy · 2 hrs ago
Walmart to offer some diabetes drugs, inhalers and insulin at no cost in 2027
Walmart will make more than 250 prescriptions free for employees in 2027, including some insulin, inhalers and medicines for diabetes.
The benefit applies to Walmart workers, most of whom are in the United States.
Employees with Type 2 diabetes can get Ozempic or Mounjaro at no cost after a new prior authorization, a process requiring approval before coverage.
Walmart will not cover those drugs when they are used for weight loss.
The changes come as the company seeks to attract and keep workers while managing health costs.
The expanded benefits also include specialist second opinions for some rare conditions and 12 weeks of neonatal intensive care leave for parents, in addition to regular parental and maternity leave.
Walmart says it is keeping premium increases limited, with its starting plan rising by $1.50 per pay period to $39.80.
The changes are planned for next year; employees’ open enrollment closes on Nov.
6.
Walmart plans to cover more than 250 prescriptions at no cost to employees in 2027.
The covered medicines will include some insulin, inhalers and GLP-1 drugs for diabetes.
Employees with Type 2 diabetes will be able to get Ozempic and Mounjaro without charge after obtaining a new prior authorization.
Walmart will not cover those GLP-1 drugs when they are used for weight loss.
The company says the benefit changes are part of efforts to attract and retain workers while limiting premium increases.
- Who
- Walmart and its employees.
- What
- Walmart plans to cover more than 250 prescriptions at no cost, including some insulin, inhalers and GLP-1 drugs for diabetes.
- When
- The changes are planned for 2027.
- Where
- Walmart employee health plans in the United States.
- Why
- Walmart says it is expanding benefits to attract and retain workers while limiting premium increases.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Walmart confirmed its planned benefit changes to CNBC.
Open enrollment for Walmart employees is due to close.
Walmart plans to begin covering more than 250 prescriptions at no cost to employees.
- Prescription coverage
- More than 250 prescriptions
- Ozempic and Mounjaro
- No charge for employees with Type 2 diabetes after a new prior authorization
- Starting plan premium
- $39.80 per pay period, an increase of $1.50
- Walmart workforce
- Roughly 2.1 million associates worldwide, including about 1.6 million in the U.S.
What people are saying
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.
Sources
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