
Walmart on Tuesday said it would eliminate health insurance benefits for some part-time workers in the United States and would raise insurance premiums overall to offset rising health-care costs.
The retail giant will stop providing coverage to part-time employees who work fewer than 30 hours per week, said Sally Welborn, senior vice president for global benefits at Wal-Mart Stores, in a corporate blog post.
The company will still provide health insurance to employees -- called "associates" at the world's largest retailer -- who work 30 hours or more per week.
But cutting benefits for those working less than 30 hours a week means Walmart has the same policy as other large retailers, including Target, Home Depot, Walgreens and Trader Joe's, she said.
Welborn said the moves were necessary to compensate for higher costs across the system, including costlier doctor visit and more expensive prescriptions.
"We don't make these decisions lightly," she said.
The shift affects about two percent of Walmart's US workforce of about 1.3 million.
Welborn said US employees eligible for health care benefits will see an increase in premiums for 2015. The change means Walmart's most popular plan will cost employees $21.90 per pay period, up by $3.50.
"Like every company, Walmart continues to face rising health care costs," Welborn said. "This year, the expenses were significant and led us to make some tough decisions as we begin our annual enrollment."
GMT 18:35 2018 Thursday ,11 January
Syrian refugee sets himself ablaze at UN office in LebanonGMT 18:48 2018 Tuesday ,09 January
Novo Nordisk woos Belgian nano-drug makerGMT 17:54 2017 Wednesday ,27 December
Medical evacuations begin from besieged Syria rebel bastionGMT 12:14 2017 Monday ,25 December
MoHAP successfully conducts cochlear implant operationGMT 18:24 2017 Sunday ,24 December
Palestinian conjoined twins arrive in RiyadhGMT 19:05 2017 Monday ,18 December
new! magazine names fitness & food editorGMT 17:03 2017 Wednesday ,29 November
Spain reports case of 'mad cow disease'GMT 14:05 2017 Saturday ,11 November
EU can't agree on new licence for controversial glyphosate weedkiller
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor