As open enrollment comes along for 2021, many freelancers and self-employed individuals might be wondering where they can get affordable health coverage. Even part-timers and students have this issue as they age out of their parent’s health coverage. Getting health insurance privately without the help of a group or an employer can be expensive. Of course, there are options to get affordable health insurance without having to pay insane premiums every month.
Also Read: How Long Can Kids Stay on Their Parent’s Health Insurance For?
Health insurance isn’t cheap, but it’s necessary to avoid facing substantial hospital bill debt. Many employers like Starbucks understand how vital health insurance is, even if the employee is only part-time. This is why they offer employees full health benefits that can be anywhere between $30 to $70 in monthly premiums.
But should self-employed individuals get a job at Starbucks for the affordable health insurance alone? This article will go over some of the pros and cons some self-employed individuals might face if they do choose to work at Starbucks for their health insurance.
How Does Health Insurance Through Starbucks Work?
In order to qualify for Starbucks’ employee health insurance as a part-timer, employees must work a minimum of 240 hours over a 3 month period. The employee must also work an average of 20 hours a week to qualify for their part-timer benefits.
Starbucks allows employees to apply for benefits at any point in the year. However, if you would like to apply during open enrollment, you would need to begin working for Starbucks between June to August to qualify in time.
Once an employee has logged in those 240 hours during their 3 month period, the employee will receive their benefits package. This package is sent on the first of the following month, and benefits kick in the month after. The employee will have 2 weeks to choose from various packages.
Part-time employees with an average of 20 hours a week have 2 different plans to choose from. Salary and full-time workers also have these benefits. Once the employee chooses a plan, they can go to mysbuxben.com or speak with a Starbucks Benefits Center representative about getting started.
In addition to getting your basic health coverage, these plans also have a few other benefits too:
- Starbucks covers 70% of the premium costs.
- Premiums are taken directly out of pay stub before it’s taxed.
- Benefits extend to all dependents, including children, spouses, and domestic partners.
- Plans include 100% coverage for preventive care services and women’s preventive health.
Rather than having to pay extra-high premiums for an individual plan, Starbucks’ employee benefits can offer more affordable solutions to health insurance. Of course, if you are already self-employed or are mostly freelancing, there could be some downsides to working at Starbucks.
Also Read: Open Enrollment 2021: Changes You Need To Know About
The Cons Of Working For Starbucks
Starbucks offers their employees great and affordable health insurance, but getting those benefits would mean having to commit to being a Starbucks employee. Here are some things to consider if you do want to join the Starbucks team for the benefits.
You’ll Need To Commit Time To the Job
To meet the minimum requirements for their employee health insurance, you would need to work an average of 20 hours a week. That’s roughly 3 to 4 shifts in a given week. Over half your week is spent working for Starbucks. Although it’s only 20 hours of your week, that’s 60 hours of work a week if you still work a regular 40 hour work-week being self employed.
On the plus side, Starbucks has a relatively flexible schedule. Many stores are now open 24 hours a day, making it easier to figure out which shifts work for you. Starbucks is also known for having numerous other team members that can help you on days you can’t make it in.
It’s Not Easy Work
Although Starbucks is an entry-level job, it’s certainly not easy work! Starbucks is a fast-paced environment that requires skills in food safety, customer service, and teamwork. You may have all those skills already, but committing yourself to three to four shifts a week in a fast-paced environment on top of your regular gig might be a little too much.
The Benefits Might Not Offer Everything You Need
Starbucks offers great health insurance benefits. Their plans even include silver-level health plans. However, if you or one of your dependents has a chronic condition, those benefits may not cover as much as you need them to.
Your Main Business Could Be Affected
Your own business should always come first. Working 60 or more hours a week could really burn someone out. Your commitment to Starbucks to get health insurance risks putting your own business or freelance efforts on the back burner to continue qualifying for your health insurance.
Even if you do manage to juggle both these jobs, you may not have much time left for yourself or your loved ones. Starbucks is fast-paced and time-consuming. Therefore, you should be prepared to spend most of your week working, or recharging from work.
4 Employers That Offer Part-Time Employees Health Benefits
Working as a Starbucks barista might not be your thing. However, there are lots of other places that do have health insurance benefits for their employees. All these workplaces offer entry-level positions along with benefits. You may notice that some employers may even offer room for career growth along with other additional benefits.
Also Read: Where To Get Health Insurance If You’re Self-Employed or Freelancing
Starbucks
As we mentioned, Starbucks offers health insurance benefits for employees who work an average of 20 hours a week. In addition to these benefits, Starbucks also offers aid for education, stock options, paid time-off, and parental leave.
Costco
Costco employees working more than 24 hours a week with at least 180 days of service can join their Choice Plus health plan. This plan allows part-timers to choose their own providers and even receive extended health like dental.
If you’ve ever used the pharmacy at Costco (which you don’t need to be a member to do), then you may have noticed that their prescription drugs come a little cheaper than most places. With Costco employee or group benefits, you get lower copays with cheaper prescriptions.
Costco also has great opportunities for employees to grow their careers. This growth also includes a 401k, stock options, and a flexible spending account (FSA).
Whole Foods
After a Whole Foods employee’s probation period, they are able to qualify for health benefits. Employees must work a minimum of 20 hours a week to qualify. Employees who work 800 hours with Whole Foods qualify for their full benefits which include medical, dental, and vision. Whole Foods’ health insurance also includes a health savings account (HSA), which can be helpful for those who may need a little extra cash if they don’t use their benefits.
Whole Foods also offers their employees subsidized life insurance, paid sick and vacation leave, stock options, and 401k plans. Best of all, any employee automatically qualifies for these benefits after 6 months of work unless they opt out.
Lowe’s
After working 89 consecutive days for Lowe’s part-time employees have access to their full health plan. The plan includes full coverage for all preventative care and has no annual deductible or coinsurance. This could save you a lot of money on health insurance costs if you just need benefits for regular care and emergencies.
Individual employees only pay $20.45 biweekly. Family plans pay $52.23 biweekly. There’s no minimum hours required to qualify for health insurance benefits. However, employees must apply for benefits within 31 days of being hired, or wait till open enrollment. This would mean you’d have to start working around August or September to make it in time for open enrollment.
Should You Work At Starbucks To Get Health Benefits?
There’s lots of other options for you and your family if you’re self employed or a freelancer who needs health insurance. Although working at Starbucks might not fit your lifestyle, you do have other options such as Costco, Whole Foods, and Lowe’s.
You shouldn’t have to struggle to find quality health insurance. Even if you can’t get health insurance through your employer, you can still find group insurance, and there’s lots of other options for you.
If you’d like to speak to some about your health insurance options, or want to compare some quotes, call Quote Purple to compare health insurance premiums from some of our premier partners.
Also Read: First-Timers Guide To Health Insurance (With Examples)