Walmart is partnering with Kindbody to give U.S. associates access to fertility options and other services as part of its insurance plan.
The company said in a press release that the new deal grants employees access to more than 30 Kindbody clinics across the country, including a state-of-the-art clinic and in vitro fertilization lab in its home state of Arkansas, which is set to open later this year.
The access to high-quality health care is very important to us, and we have heard from our associates that access to fertility, surrogacy and adoption support is a priority for her and her family, said Kim Lupo, senior vice president, Walmart Global Total Rewards. Through Kindbody, Walmart associates in every corner of the country will have access to a variety of services to help with their family planning journey. The Kindbody clinicsKindbody clinics will assist with surrogacy and adoption services, for which Walmart associates can receive up to $20,000 in financial support.
Walmart, the nation's largest private employer and the largest retailer, is providing family-planning benefits through its self-insured medical plan as part of the company's new Center of Excellence COE program that gives employees access to specialized medical care. The COE program provides workers with treatment for a number of serious conditions, such as cancer or major surgeries.
The move comes as employers in the country ramp up benefits to retain and attract workers in a tight labor market. Adoption and fertility benefits can be a significant draw for families in need of the services, which are costly and can amount to tens of thousands of dollars.
Gina Bartasi, founder and chairwoman of Kindbody, said we are incredibly honored to be a Walmart Center of Excellence and to provide high-quality care to Walmart associates. Our partnership with Walmart shows that fertility benefits have joined medical, dental, and vision as standard workplace benefits for leading employers. Walmart is adding more than a month after the company expanded coverage for abortion to its U.S. workers, joining several other employers in broadening its health care plans after Roe v. Wade was overturned earlier in the summer.