Walmart Inc. plans to cover more than 250 prescription drugs without charge for its employees and add other health benefits to attract and retain workers at a time when many companies are raising healthcare costs.

The list of covered medications includes many generics alongside some in-demand branded drugs such as Novo Nordisk A/S’ Ozempic and Eli Lilly & Co.’s Mounjaro. The retailer will offer those at no cost for people with Type 2 diabetes after prior approval.

Some insulin and inhalers will also be covered for employees who participate in the company’s medical plans next year, Chief People Officer Donna Morris said Tuesday in a memo to staff viewed by Bloomberg News. Other covered drugs include medicines to treat migraines, dementia and cardiovascular conditions.

The actions by the largest U.S. private employer come as other corporations cut back on benefits due to rising medical costs, including many that have eliminated coverage of GLP-1s for weight loss.

Once a target of criticism for poor pay and benefits, Walmart has sought to reverse that reputation over the past decade by improving wages and adding benefits for its 1.6 million U.S. workers that range from virtual care to fertility services. During this time, starting wages have risen by 93% and the company has introduced benefits such as covering the cost of tuition and books for workers pursuing various degrees.

Walmart plans to increase its employee insurance premiums next year, though at a lower rate than in 2026, a company spokesman said. Years of planning and testing have positioned the company to make improvements for workers without cutting benefits or significantly raising insurance premiums, he said.

Starting next year, Walmart employees being evaluated for or diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or ALS will be eligible to get a second opinion with specialists at the Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic, Morris said in the memo. This marks an expansion an existing company program offering a similar service for cancer.

The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company is also adding a new benefit that will provide as many as 12 weeks of paid leave for employees whose newborns are admitted to neonatal intensive care units, according to the memo.

(With assistance from John Tozzi and Ike Swetlitz.)

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