What Your Workforce Wants: Data on Health Coverage Expectations in Hourly Jobs
When you operate in industries with high turnover—like staffing, hospitality, retail, or home care—it’s easy to assume employees don’t care much about health benefits. After all, many hourly workers are part-time, seasonal, or juggling multiple jobs.
But data tells a different story. Even modest health coverage options can improve recruitment and retention—and help your business stay competitive. If you’ve wondered whether offering a Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) plan is worth it, take a look at what today’s workforce expects.
Health Coverage: A Top Priority for Hourly Workers
According to the 2023 Employee Benefits Survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM):
89% of employees say health-related benefits are important to their overall job satisfaction.
Among lower-wage and hourly workers, health insurance ranked as the #1 most valued benefit, ahead of paid time off or retirement plans.
Additional research by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows:
63% of uninsured workers cite the high cost of coverage as the main reason they remain uninsured.
Nearly 50% of uninsured adults say they would enroll in employer coverage if it were affordable and easy to understand.
Key takeaway: Even limited coverage options are meaningful—especially when they’re simple and affordable.
Why Offering MEC Plans Can Help You Stand Out
Hourly workers often have fewer options for employer-sponsored insurance. Many workforces are a mix of full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees, making traditional major medical plans financially unfeasible for employers.
MEC plans offer a practical alternative:
✅ Satisfy ACA requirements and help avoid IRS penalties.
✅ Cover preventive services employees value, like annual exams and immunizations.
✅ Cost far less than traditional health insurance.
What Employees Really Want in Health Benefits
When considering health coverage, hourly workers prioritize:
Affordability
High premiums are the biggest barrier. A MEC plan at a low monthly cost can be the difference between participation and opting out.Simplicity
Complex enrollment and hard-to-understand plan terms discourage engagement. Clear communication and straightforward sign-up processes are essential.Access to Preventive Care
Many workers skip care due to cost. MEC plans help them access critical preventive services without paying out of pocket.A Sense of Security
Even if MEC plans don’t cover everything, knowing they have coverage for core preventive services reduces stress and builds goodwill.
Practical Steps to Meet Employee Expectations
If you want to better align your benefits offering with what your workforce values:
Survey your employees.
Short, anonymous polls can reveal what matters most—and why they may not enroll.
Communicate benefits clearly.
Use plain language and visuals to show what’s covered, how much it costs, and how to enroll.
Make affordability a priority.
Even minimal employer contributions can increase participation dramatically.
Consider MEC as part of a broader strategy.
Pair MEC coverage with supplemental options, like dental discounts or telemedicine, to enhance value.
Stay Competitive—and Compliant.
In today’s tight labor market, benefits aren’t just a perk. They’re a signal that you value your team—even when turnover is high.
If you’d like help designing a health benefits offering that’s compliant, affordable, and aligned with what your employees really want, we’re here to help.
Let’s talk. Contact us for a no-pressure conversation about your options.