- Key insight: Discover how Walmart integrates AI, metabolic and mental health into a unified employee benefits strategy.
- Expert quote: Empathy-driven benefits support long-term well-being and stronger teams, says Michael Horne, Walmart SVP.
- Forward look: Increased, inclusive employer investment in weight health programs, neurodiversity support, and leave policies.
- Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review
Walmart's 1.6 million U.S. employees are gearing up to have a
The enhancements, announced in October, expand coverage of diabetes and weight management,
The new investments were inspired by national health trends and direct employee feedback, and double down on the company's
"Our commitment to supporting associates' well-being extends to all aspects of life, no matter what they're facing," Horne says. "We believe leading with empathy and recognizing what associates are facing outside of the workplace creates stronger teams and ultimately a stronger culture."
Read more:
Upping the wellness game
Diabetes and weight loss
Walmart has expanded its offerings through metabolic health platform Twin Health to cover not just those with type 2 diabetes, but also those who are diagnosed as prediabetic or have a BMI over 40. At the start of 2026, it will broaden access to cover those with a BMI over 35. The partnership with Twin Health, which helps members correct their metabolism as well as adopt lifestyle changes that reduce the need for weight loss medication, was an intentional effort to help people see long-term, positive results, Horne says.
"We believe it's a balance — while medication can be an essential tool, we want to ensure our associates are set up for long-term well-being by building healthy habits into their everyday lives," he says.
Neurodiversity support
In addition to support for conditions like ADHD and autism through mental health platform Lyra, employees enrolled in most of Walmart's medical plans now have accelerated access to neuropsychological assessments for themselves and eligible family members.
There is a growing prevalence of neurodiverse condition diagnoses — for example, the number of people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has gone up 175% over a decade, according to a study by JAMA Network Open — leading to an increased demand for evaluations and associated care.
"This helps manage sensory overload, enhance executive function, improve focus and support emotional regulation," Horne says. "Whether associates use these resources to improve their own workplace experience or to help family members navigate environments like school, we're here to provide peace of mind and meaningful support at work and beyond."
Mental health
Walmart employees already have access to 20 free visits with providers at digital mental health platform Lyra Health, and those on most of the company's health plans will now also have the ability to see providers beyond these visits at an in-network cost. With services like counseling, coaching, educational resources and group therapy, employees can select and attend the category of support they need at any given time.
"We're making it easier for associates to engage with the resources that best fit their individual needs," Horne says. "Our goal is to ensure our benefits are flexible and accessible, empowering associates to prioritize their mental health in the way that works best for them."
Read more:
Copays for common medication
Millions of people take prescription anti-inflammatory medication for a variety of conditions, and Walmart's benefits will now include a $0 copay for certain versions. Like many of the other wellness benefits offered, alleviating the financial burden of seeking and maintaining proper care is the goal, Horne says.
"The root causes of inflammation are wide-ranging, from bacterial and viral infections to autoimmune diseases and mental health conditions, which is why access to $0 medication is so important," he says. "When one part of your well-being is not supported, it can have adverse effects on the other parts. Broadening access to anti-inflammatory medications by removing the barrier of cost means we can support associates' physical and financial well-being."
Increased bereavement leave
Following feedback from employees, Walmart's bereavement leave for the loss of a pregnancy, child, spouse or partner has been increased from three to five days, and can be combined with other types of leave, depending on the circumstances.
"Unfortunately, far too many families experience this heartbreak, and each of these individuals are not alone," Walmart's SVP and CPO Donna Morris,
Read more:
AI-enabled healthcare
Alongside its traditional health plans, Walmart will create an AI-supported medical plan, featuring 24/7 access to a virtual well-being agent, available to employees in eight states. Horne explains that the AI agent can answer questions pertaining to benefits coverage and available programs, and connect members with virtual care.
"With a range of features in this plan, like the AI-powered virtual well-being agent and live care navigator, the goal is to increase access and engagement with support," he says. "We're optimistic about the pilot period and look forward to monitoring the results."
