Walmart will provide US associates with prescription medicines without charge from 1 January 2027, alongside specialist-care and paid-leave benefits.
The retailer plans to introduce its Zero Dollar prescription tier for US associates, covering more than 250 generic, brand-name, and specialty medicines.
The tier will include some insulin products and inhalers.
Walmart said it will also create a Rare Conditions Centre of Excellence for associates and dependants enrolled in most Walmart medical plans.
The programme aims to provide no-cost access to specialists for multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Eligible people being evaluated for, or diagnosed with, one of these conditions will be able to receive an in-person specialist evaluation and treatment review, according to the company.
The programme will cover travel for the patient and an adult caregiver, with Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic among the facilities involved.
Walmart executive vice president and chief people officer Donna Morris said: “We are excited to share upcoming changes to our benefits during this Annual Enrollment season. We are adding even more ways for associates and their families to live better through comprehensive and affordable healthcare and benefits."
From 17 November 2026, Walmart will introduce paid neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) leave.
Eligible associates whose children are admitted to a NICU within the first 28 days after birth and receive inpatient care will be entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid leave.
The NICU leave can be combined with other time-off and leave benefits, including maternity and parental paid leave.
Walmart said frontline associates could receive up to 28 weeks of paid leave when the benefits are combined.
Last month, Walmart committed not to use customers’ personal data, income, shopping history, or sense of urgency to set what they pay.
In a letter to customers and members, president and CEO John Furner said using this information “to charge them more would violate the EDLP promise our business model is built on. We won’t do it”.
EDLP refers to everyday low prices, the pricing principle Walmart had followed for more than 50 years.
