Walmart to offer 250-plus free medications, including GLP-1s, to employees

Oct 13 (Reuters) – Walmart on Tuesday introduced a plan to offer employees more than 250 medications, including GLP-1s, insulin and inhalers at no cost, as the retailer expands healthcare benefits for its workforce.

Here are some details:

• The largest U.S. private employer, with about 1.6 million domestic workers, is in its annual enrollment season, which runs through Nov. 6.

• The plan covers treatment at providers such as Mayo Clinic for serious conditions including cancer, plus free GLP-1s for associates with type 2 diabetes.

• Surging healthcare expenses have been adding pressure on Americans who are already facing rising costs of living from inflation and oil prices.

• “We’re adding even more ways to help you and your family live better through comprehensive and affordable healthcare and benefits,” Chief People Officer Donna Morris said in a memo.

• Associates evaluated for or diagnosed with conditions, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, will get no-cost specialist evaluations, the company said.

• Walmart, however, would raise starting health insurance premiums by $1.50 per biweekly pay period to $39.80, according to its website.

• The retailer already offers benefits including 20 no-cost therapy sessions annually and up to $20,000 for fertility, adoption or surrogacy services.

(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)