Walmart to cover some GLP-1s, inhalers and insulin for employees at no cost

• Walmart will offer Novo's Ozempic and Lilly's Mounjaro at no cost for Type 2 diabetes patients after prior authorization, but will not cover GLP-1s for weight loss purposes
• The company is keeping premium increases minimal, raising its starting plan by only $1.50 per pay period to $39.80, a smaller increase than the prior year
• Additional benefits include expanded access to Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic specialists for rare conditions and 12 weeks of NICU leave for parents on top of regular parental leave

Summary: Walmart Expands Employee Healthcare Benefits with Zero-Cost Prescription Coverage

Key Developments:

Walmart, America's largest private employer with approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide (1.6 million U.S.-based), announced it will cover over 250 prescriptions at no cost to employees beginning in 2027. The expanded coverage includes insulin, inhalers, and GLP-1 diabetes medications.

Specific Medications Covered:

• Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro will be available without charge for Type 2 diabetes patients following prior authorization
• Notable exclusion: GLP-1 medications for weight loss purposes remain uncovered, aligning with cost-management strategies adopted by other major employers

Additional Benefits:

• Premium increases minimized: starting plan rates rising only $1.50 per pay period to $39.80—a smaller increase than the previous year
• Expanded specialist access at Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic for rare conditions including ALS, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease
• New 12-week NICU leave for parents, supplementing existing parental and maternity leave

Market Context:

This announcement contrasts sharply with broader industry trends, as many employers scale back healthcare benefits to offset rising costs. The timing precedes Walmart's November 6 open enrollment deadline, positioning these enhancements as strategic tools for workforce attraction and retention.

Companies Mentioned: Walmart, Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly

Walmart characterizes these changes as the result of "years of planning," emphasizing meaningful improvements without significantly raising premiums or cutting benefits—a competitive advantage in today's tight labor market.