Editor’s note: This is a transcript of the audio file.
A part-time job obviously means fewer hours and a smaller paycheck than a full-time position. It usually means fewer benefits, too — though sometimes you can still get health insurance coverage from your employer. I’m Doug Whiteman with your Bankrate.com Personal Finance Minute.
Many employers do offer health insurance to part-time employees. A survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that these are typically large companies, with at least 200 workers.
In many cases, you’ll have to work at least 20 hours a week to qualify for health benefits, though the minimum varies by employer. Some consider 30-hour-a-week employees to be the same as full time. You may not be eligible until you’ve been on the job for a certain length of time, such as 180 days, or have racked up a certain number of hours.
And, you may have to pay more than a full-time employee for your benefits. Experts say that companies often contribute less to the monthly premium for part-time workers.
But even at a higher price, a part-timer can likely expect coverage similar to what full timers get.
For more about being insured at work, visit Bankrate.com. I’m Doug Whiteman.
