President Obama's plans to provide health coverage for most Americans got a boost Tuesday when retail giant Wal-Mart announced its support for federal requirements that employers pay for workers' health care. Wal-Mart's announcement surprised and dismayed other major retailers that are fighting employer mandates for health care. Wal-Mart already pays for health coverage for employees, and its support of President Obama's plan is seen as a move to level the playing field with competitors that don't.
See "Wal-Mart Backs Drive to Make Companies Pay for Health Coverage", Janet Adamy and Ann Zimmerman, The Wall Street Journal, June 30, 2009