Last Friday. the President announced a policy change. The Federal Times reports that in lieu of a pay freeze for 2020, the President will support a 2.6 percent base pay increase for federal employees with no locality pay adjustment. Congress can override the President’s decision, The Federal Times further observes that “Funding legislation passed by the House would have also increased federal base pay by 2.6 percent, while also granting a 0.5 percent bump on average to locality payments.”

Congress remains on a district / State work period for the next week.

Health Payer Intelligence reports that

In the face of uncertain data regarding wellness programs’ efficacy and employees’ utilization, employers are revolutionizing their approach to employee wellness programs with an increased focus on the employee, as opposed to healthcare spending, according to a new Optum study.

“Employers are getting smart, serious and sophisticated in their approach to employee health and well-being,” the Optum study begins. “They are using data, demographics and technology in smart ways to fuel program innovation, relevancy and engagement.”

Beckers Hospital Review informs us that Walmart is dipping its toe in the primary healthcare market.

The new clinic, called Walmart Health, is in Dallas, Ga., and the first appointments are available on Sept. 13. Patients can schedule appointments at Walmarthealth.com. The clinic, which is next door to a Walmart store, will offer primary care and a variety of other services, including labs, X-rays, counseling, dental, and audiology, according to CNBC. Depending on the success of the clinic in Georgia, the retailer may open more Walmart Health clinics in the future, sources told CNBC.