Part Time Jobs with Health Insurance Benefits
It is often assumed that taking a part-time job means losing out on any health insurance benefits usually attributed to full-time employment. This is not true however, for all part-time jobs. There are several occupations and employment opportunities where part-time staff do have access to health care benefits. If you have experience or training in one of these areas, you may find that working part-time is a more attractive option.
Generally, if you work for a government agency, you should be able to access health insurance benefits even if you are employed on a part-time basis. If you are interested in a particular career, for example working as a court clerk or a driving licence administrator, contact the human resources department at your local office and ask about opportunities for part-time work.
If you know someone else who is interested in the same kinds of employment as you, both of you may be able to apply for a single vacancy together. This is known as job-share, and means that you would both work equal part-time hours over a set period and share the benefits of the full-time position as well. This is popular in Europe as a means of encouraging mothers to return to employment when their children are of school age.
Large companies are often willing to include part-time workers in their basic health insurance schemes. The United States Postal Service has a good health care insurance package that covers both its full- and part-time employees. The same is also often true for companies with a chain of outlets such as Starbucks or Walmart.
Many companies require their part-time staff to work a certain number of hours per week in order to qualify for health insurance benefits. You may find that what appears to be a part-time vacancy actually needs to be almost full-time in order for you to take advantage of any health insurance deals. There may also be restrictions on the types of benefits available to you until you have been employed for a certain number of weeks or months. Make sure that you ask about any qualifying periods when you have a chance to speak with the human resources department.
It is not always necessary to work for a large company to receive health insurance benefits when working part-time. If you like children, then you may be able to find employment as a nanny or au pair which will include insurance cover as part of the family. It usually makes sense for domestic staff to be covered by the employer's insurance, particularly when they live on the premises and as part of the household.
Another great job for those who like children and have a clean driving record is a school bus driver. These positions usually require you to work for a few hours per day in 2 shifts, which gives you time off in between and over the school holidays. As you will be most likely working either for the state or for a school district, you should also be entitled to some health insurance benefits as part of your employment package.
If you are looking for a part-time job, make sure you ask potential employers about any possible health insurance benefits that you may be eligible for. You may be surprised to find that working part-time is more attractive than you thought.
