Starbucks expands workers’ healthcare choices

Starbucks is expanding the healthcare benefit options it offers employees – something the company alluded to last week as it announced wage increases and other compensation changes.

Currently, Starbucks offers employees three levels of coverage through one insurance company: Blue Cross.

Under the new plans, starting Oct. 1 employees can choose between five levels of coverage, provided by Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare.

Starbucks said the move could save employees money, depending on what they choose.

One of its current most popular levels – the silver level – costs employees $27 per paycheck. Under the new plan, silver level coverage will be “extremely close” and remain at $27 per paycheck, said Ron Crawford, Starbucks’ vice president of global benefits.

Its other most popular level – gold – currently costs $59 per paycheck. Under the new system, comparable coverage may end up costing employees less or more, depending on the carrier.

Starbucks said it currently funds about 70 percent of premiums, across all levels, and that it will continue to do so under the new plans.

Starting Monday, when pre-enrollment begins, Starbucks is also debuting an online site – mysbuxben.com – to help employees compare the different plans. It’s also creating a team to help employees choose a plan and navigate the healthcare system in the future.