Wal-Mart Health Cuts Reopen Obamacare Costs Debate

Companies, including Walmart, are cutting costs by removing part-time workers from benefits, a move seen across various retailers. This trend may lead to more employees using public exchanges, impacting Obamacare positively by offsetting costs. Companies are also exploring private exchanges and consumer-directed health plans to manage rising healthcare expenses.

What is a common strategy companies are using to cut costs?

• Expanding operations internationally

• Removing part-time workers from benefits

• Offering more benefits to full-time employees

• Increasing salaries for part-time workers

How many employees are affected by Walmart's recent decision to cut benefits?

• 30,000 employees

• 1.4 million employees

• 500,000 employees

• 100,000 employees

What might be a positive outcome of more employees enrolling in public exchanges?

• Increased healthcare costs for everyone

• Higher taxes for companies

• Decreased availability of healthcare plans

• Offsetting the costs of Obamacare

What alternative are companies exploring instead of traditional health plans?

• Reducing work hours

• Offering gym memberships

• Providing a stipend for health plans

• Increasing vacation days

What is the expected rise in healthcare costs according to the National Business Group on Health?

• 10%

• 8%

• 6.5%

• 3%