Policy·October 13, 2026 at 9:30 AM EDT·2 sources
Walmart to Cover Some GLP-1s, Insulin at No Cost for Workers
WMT -1.0%NVOLLY
WMT · last 30 trading days+6.0% since the news
News
U.S. associatesabout 1.6 million
Prescriptions covered at no costmore than 250
Open enrollment closesNov. 6
What happened
- Walmart plans to cover more than 250 prescriptions, including some insulin, inhalers and diabetes GLP-1s, at no cost to employees in 2027.
- Employees with Type 2 diabetes can receive Novo’s Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro at no cost after a new prior authorization; weight-loss use remains excluded.
- Walmart is adding specialist second opinions for certain rare conditions and up to 12 weeks of neonatal intensive care unit leave.
Prescriptions covered at no cost
more than 250
Starting-plan premium
$39.80 per pay period
U.S. associates
about 1.6 million
Open enrollment closes
Nov. 6
Why it matters
The changes illustrate how a major employer is using healthcare benefits to attract and retain workers while limiting coverage for higher-cost obesity treatments. They also highlight ongoing pressure on employers to manage rising healthcare costs without materially reducing benefits.
What to watch. Walmart employee open enrollment closes on Nov. 6; the expanded benefits are planned for 2027.
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Timeline
- First reported by BloombergOct 13Walmart to Cover Some GLP-1s, Insulin at No Cost for Workers
- CNBC reportsOct 13Walmart to cover some GLP-1s, inhalers and insulin for employees at no cost as it expands benefits
Who is involved
Walmart to Cover Some GLP-1s, Insulin at No Cost for WorkersWalmart Inc.WMTNovo NordiskNVOEli LillyLLYMayo ClinicCleveland ClinicDonna Morris
CompanyPerson
Sources (2)
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