As the labor market continues to evolve further with greater focus on flexible work arrangements, several large U.S. corporations have provided part-time employees with health insurance coverage. Other than helping retain employees, this is part of a trend of increased demand for affordable healthcare. Following are six box stores-Walmart, Costco, Starbucks, UPS, Lowe’s, and CVS Health-that provide health coverage for part-time employees, highlighting their eligibility, plan levels, and special policies.
Walmart: Organized eligibility on hourly basis
Walmart, the country’s second-largest private employer, provides health benefits to part-time and temporary workers who work at least 30 hours a week over a 60-day period. Workers are eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage if they average this hourly level. Surprisingly, Walmart temporary nurse practitioners and pharmacists have a lower standard at an average of 24 hours per week within the same timeframe. When becoming eligible, enrollment is to be made within 60 days, effective the first day of the month following the 89th day after the end of the measurement period. This formal process offers convenience to employees who must work while being eligible.
Costco: Straight access to sweeping benefits
Costco is special in that it provides part-timers’ medical insurance coverage after just 60 days of uninterrupted service, with the exemption of Hawaii seasonals. Employees who qualify for this benefit have the privilege to enjoy low-cost medical, dental, and vision, company payments keeping premium fees minimal. Company retirement benefits too are provided, matching 401(k) contributions at 50% up to a yearly $500, along with conferring special rewards in the form of membership store treats and seasonal rewards. This narrow window of eligibility makes Costco a great part-time employer to provide stability.
Starbucks: Scheduling hours for full coverage
Starbucks employs a rolling hours policy whereby part-time employees need to work at least 240 hours over three months to qualify for health coverage. Benefits at Starbucks include medical, dental, and vision coverage, mental health coverage like 20 counseling sessions annually and unlimited free use of the meditation app. Starbucks facilitates work-life balance through paid parental leave and online associate and bachelor’s degree reimbursement through Arizona State University, confirming its commitment to employee well-being.
UPS: Part-time employees receive union-bargained benefits
UPS offers unionized part-timers the same health-care benefits as full-timers, with no premium and very minimal copays, a industry oddity. Instant eligibility with work that entails only 15–20 hours a week is offered, with pension credits and as much as $25,000 in tuition reimbursement as well. Remarkably, 38,000 UPS part-timers transitioned into full-time between 2018 and 2022, a signal of the emphasis on career progression.
Lowe’s: Limited but accessible medical plans
Lowe’s provides part-time workers with a medical plan offering restricted benefits, covering a set number of annual doctor visits and preventive services. While less comprehensive than full-time plans, this option ensures basic healthcare access for employees working 20+ hours weekly, with eligibility beginning after 60 days of employment. The plan’s simplicity appeals to workers seeking minimal out-of-pocket costs for routine care.
CVS Health: Tiered benefit based on work hours
CVS Health structures its benefits in terms of part-time employees’ work and work-free time: 30+ hours per week for full prescription and medical care coverage, or a fixed indemnity plan with cash benefits for covered services, for 12–29 hours.
The tiered benefit design offers less-than-available employees some health coverage.
An emerging trend toward inclusive benefits
The expansion of health coverage for part-time employees by big companies shows broader trends toward workforce flexibility and equity. Walmart and UPS make official eligibility or collective bargaining provisions to provide full-strength coverage, while Starbucks and CVS Health tailor choices based on varying hours. For workers searching for jobs who need access to care as an utmost priority, these companies demonstrate that part-time employment can be secure in addition to having full-strength benefits, paving the way for others to follow.
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