Wal-Mart improves workers' health benefits

Bentonville, Arkansas Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will be improving the health benefits packages provided to its full and part-time associates, the company announced today.

As one of the largest retailers in the world, Wal-Mart is providing its employees more options geared toward their personal needs. The 2008 benefits package includes reduced deductibles, pre-deductible health care credits and $4 co-pays for over 2,400 covered generic prescriptions. The generic prescription program, the company believes, will save associates approximately $25 million in 2008. The company’s open enrollment period will start September 22.

“We worked closely with our associates to design an even more affordable health benefits package based on what they told us they wanted and needed,” said Linda Dillman, evp of risk management, benefits and sustainability. “Ninety percent of our associates now have health insurance and we want that number to increase. Our health coverage next year will be even stronger, offer more options and give people more tools to help them save money and live better lives.”