Target to discontinue part-time health insurance coverage

MINNEAPOLIS — In light of the changing healthcare landscape due to healthcare reform, Target is discontinuing part-time health insurance coverage for its stores’ part-time associates, beginning April 1, according to a report in Target’s Bullseye View.



“Healthcare reform is transforming the benefits landscape and affecting how all employers, including Target, administer health benefits coverage. Our decision to discontinue this benefit comes after careful consideration of the impact to our stores’ part-time team members and to Target, the new options available for our part-time team, and the historically low number of team members who elected to enroll in the part-time plan,” Jodee Kozlak, EVP human resources at Target, told Bullseye View, an online magazine offering a behind-the-scenes look at Target initiatives and events.



According to the report, the majority of part-time associates who have been eligible for health insurance coverage don’t enroll. In fact, less than 10% of Target’s total team member population participate in the part-time plan.



To help those part-time associates, Target is providing those who are currently enrolled in Target’s health coverage and who are losing access to that coverage a $500 cash payment. The retailer also has partnered with a company that has benefits expertise to provide personalized support to associates. This includes sharing information that is customized to each team member about what insurance is available to them, the differences between plans and their impact, any off-sets available and help with the sign-up process, the report stated.