Do Walmart part-time workers qualify for limited medical or telehealth plans?

1. Eligibility hinges on measurement periods and average hours, not job title alone

Walmart uses annual measurement periods and 60‑day checks to determine medical eligibility for part‑time and temporary associates, meaning an associate's hours across the measurement window — not merely the "part‑time" job label — determine whether they qualify for medical coverage ^{[3] [2]}. The company documents show that if an associate meets the hours threshold within the measurement period they become eligible and can enroll within a set enrollment window; if they don’t meet the hours requirement they may still gain other benefits on their 52‑week anniversary ^{[2] [3]}.

2. Qualified part‑time associates can enroll in full medical plans and get telehealth included

When a part‑time associate is determined eligible, they can enroll in the same medical coverage options offered to eligible part‑time associates, and most medical plans include 24/7 telehealth through Doctor On Demand (Included Health) at no cost to the associate under those plans ^{[2] [1]}. Walmart’s benefits overview and the 2026 benefits book confirm telehealth is part of the medical plan offerings and that eligible part‑time associates may enroll for medical coverage when they meet eligibility criteria ^{[1] [3]}.

3. Costs, plan choices and enrollment windows are laid out but vary by location and plan administrator

Walmart advertises low starting premiums for eligible associates, with a cited biweekly starting cost in 2026 and detailed rate sheets for different coverage tiers, but these costs and which specific medical plans are available can vary by work location and third‑party administrator ^{[1] [4] [5]}. The company notes plan administration changes and that associates should check local compare‑plans pages; annual enrollment is optional unless local plan changes force a choice ^{[5] [4]}.

4. There are caveats, common pitfalls and historical context that matter to interpretation

Not all part‑time associates will qualify — some interpretations of Walmart materials and third‑party summaries indicate an hours threshold (often reported around an average of 30 hours per week in secondary summaries), but the authoritative company language emphasizes measurement periods and average hours rather than a fixed universal number for every location, and some outside summaries simplify complex rules ^{[6] [3]}. Past reporting has framed Walmart as cutting part‑time coverage in other eras, which can create confusion; historical critiques exist but current company materials describe continued part‑time eligibility pathways and voluntary benefits for part‑time associates ^{[7] [3]}.

5. Practical next steps and remaining unknowns for workers evaluating eligibility

An associate's path is: track hours through Walmart’s EBH/measurement tools, watch the 60‑day/52‑week measurement and enrollment windows described on internal benefits pages, and if found eligible enroll to get medical coverage (including telehealth) or else explore marketplace/Medicaid options if employer coverage is not affordable or unavailable, since affordability rules affect marketplace eligibility ^{[2] [8]}. Company documents make clear which benefits continue for part‑time associates and advise checking local plan availability and administrator changes — however, the sources do not provide every state‑by‑state variance or a single universal hours number that guarantees eligibility in every situation, so associates should consult Walmart’s local benefits pages or HR for the precise measurement threshold that applies to their work location ^{[5] [3]}.