Trader Joe's Kicks Part Timers Off Healthcare Plan

By Roberto Scalese, editor

Trader Joe's, the grocer once lauded for providing health-care coverage to its part-time workers, is about to push those employees off its plan. 

According to a memo obtained by the Huffington Post, the company will stop covering employees who work less than 30 hours per week.

The change is set for the start of 2014. Instead of insurance, workers instead will get a check for $500 in January. 

"Depending on income you may earn outside of Trader Joe's, we believe that with the $500 from Trader Joe's and the tax credits available under the ACA, many of you should be able to obtain health care coverage at very little if any net cost to you," said Trader Joe CEO Dan Bane in the memo.

Companies with more than 50 employees are required to provide health insurance under Obamacare. Trader Joe's full-time staff will still get its company-based insurance. 

The popular store operates one location in Old Town at 612 N Saint Asaph St. and has six locations in Fairfax County. The company also has stores in Arlington and the District.