Walmart to Offer Free GLP-1 Drugs and 250+ Medicines, but Premiums Rise

Walmart will cover certain GLP-1 drugs and 250-plus medications for eligible workers in 2027. But higher insurance premiums complicate the promise of affordable care.

Walmart will offer certain GLP-1 drugs at no cost to eligible employees with Type 2 diabetes starting in 2027, expanding prescription coverage to more than 250 medications. The announcement, reported by Reuters on October 13, also includes insulin, inhalers and expanded access to specialist medical care.

The move could ease healthcare costs for Walmart’s approximately 1.6 million U.S. employees. However, the retailer is also increasing premiums for its starting health insurance plan, raising questions about how affordable the overall package will be.

Is Walmart making healthcare cheaper, or simply shifting the costs?

According to Fox Business, the expanded benefits cover certain GLP-1 medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes. These drugs have attracted considerable attention for their role in diabetes management and weight loss, but eligibility under Walmart’s new plan is not universal.

The company’s Chief People Officer, Donna Morris, said in an employee memo, “We’re adding even more ways to help you and your family live better through comprehensive and affordable healthcare and benefits,”

The package extends beyond prescription drugs. Walmart is expanding access to specialist evaluations for employees being assessed for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eligible workers whose newborns require neonatal intensive care will also receive up to 12 weeks of dedicated paid leave beginning November 17, 2026.

But what is the catch for employees?

The starting health insurance premium will increase by $1.50 per biweekly pay period to $39.80. Although the increase is relatively modest, it complicates the message of lower healthcare costs, particularly for workers managing multiple household expenses.

Walmart already provides benefits that include 20 no-cost mental health therapy sessions annually and up to $20,000 toward fertility services, adoption or surrogacy.

Walmart’s official statement, “Starting January 1, 2027, we’re rolling out key enhancements to our benefits package to provide affordable and accessible quality care options for our U.S. associates.”

Could these benefits give Walmart an edge in retaining workers?

The expanded coverage could strengthen employee retention as healthcare expenses weigh on household budgets. Yet the real value depends on eligibility rules, covered medications and access to treatment.

Walmart’s announcement highlights a wider contradiction in employer-sponsored healthcare: broader coverage does not automatically mean lower total costs. Business Honor asks will workers feel the difference in their medical bills, or will higher premiums dilute the gains? The answer will become clearer when the new benefits take effect in 2027.

FAQs

What GLP-1 drugs will Walmart cover for employees?

Walmart will cover certain GLP-1 medications for eligible employees with Type 2 diabetes under its expanded health benefits beginning in 2027.

When will Walmart's new medication benefits begin?

The expanded prescription benefits are scheduled to begin in 2027.

Will Walmart provide more than 250 free medications?

Yes. Walmart plans to offer more than 250 prescription medications at no cost under most medical plans, subject to coverage conditions.

Why is Walmart increasing health insurance premiums?

Walmart's starting health insurance premium will rise by $1.50 per biweekly pay period to $39.80. The company has announced the increase alongside expanded benefits.

Are Walmart's free GLP-1 drugs available to everyone?

No. The announced coverage applies to certain GLP-1 medications for eligible employees with Type 2 diabetes, not universally to all workers or all weight-loss treatments.