Government
Wal-Mart criticized for health coverage
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 20, 2005
Wal-Mart is finding itself the target of criticism and legislative action for its health benefits policies. The megastore fails to provide health coverage to more than 500,000 of its workers, putting profits above people, according to Wake-Up Wal-Mart, a union-backed advocacy group that is holding rallies to draw attention to the issue.
The group is also urging states to take up legislation, such as a bill recently passed by the Maryland Legislature. The measure would have required Wal-Mart and other large companies to spend 8% of their payrolls on health benefits or pay into the state's Medicaid program. Gov. Robert Ehrlich vetoed the bill, but the Legislature could overturn his decision when it is back in session next January.
M. Susan Chambers, executive vice president of benefits administration for Wal-Mart, stated: "The health care issue is much broader than Wal-Mart. Our nation -- including large and small employers -- faces a health care crisis. Maliciously targeting one company doesn't address this issue."
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/06/20/gvbf0620.htm.
