690,970 of Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT)'s nearly 1.4 million workers signed up for its health-care plan during the enrollment period late last year, bringing the total up to 50% versus 47% a year ago.
The percentage of Wal-Mart workers with no health insurance dropped from 9.6% to 7.3%. That compares favorably to the 15% of full-time workers nationwide who lack health insurance.
This makes good PR for the company, but take it with a grain of salt. Wal-Mart offers a number of different health plans, some of which offer very little coverage: Wal-Mart does not break down which of its plans enrolled how many workers.
In other words, a large portion of those 50% who have health insurance could, metaphorically, have a plan that entitles them to seven leeches in the event of a serious illness.
But still, the number did tick up, and it looks like public pressure on Wal-Mart has inspired the company to do better by its workers.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-24-2008 @ 6:21AM
Larry Johnston said...
To whom it may concern:
I am a 23 year houly Associate, I have medical issurance at Wal-Mart with 80/20 coverage, with a $1000 deductible and pay about $80 a month for it. I also have a maximum out-of-pocket of $5000. My 1st three perscriptions and 1st three doctors visits are FREE. While I admit there may be companaies that have better coverage, I pay less for my health care than I do for my car insuance. Also, don't let the previous lie to you when he says:
In other words, a large portion of those 50% who have health insurance could, metaphorically, have a plan that entitles them to seven leeches in the event of a serious illness.
I have a no maximum in benefits, if I am in a serious car accident and have $1,000,000 in medical expenses all I pay is $5000. I consider health insurance as something that will prevent me from being finacially wiped out, and this does that. I am quite happy with what I have, the days of companies footing 100% of the bill for insurance and $5.00 prescriptions are quickly coming to an end and I'm just happy to know that the worst that can happen to me is a $5000.00 hit This is something I have planned for for the past 10 years and the money sits in a bank drawing interest and hopefully I will never have to use it, but DON'T BELEIVE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR ABOUT WAL-MART FROM 3RD PARTY INDIVIDUALS. Most of us million plus Associates are Happy and doing just fine at Wal-Mart.
Thanks
Larry