SEATTLE _ Starbucks is expanding the health care 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 carriers including Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare. In the Seattle area, where the company is headquartered, workers also have the options of Health Net and Group Health.
Starbucks says 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 says 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 health care system in the future.
