Starbucks Benefits FAQ

Okay, I want to take some time to break down what the specific benefits for infertility are, and how to qualify for them.  Obviously, I am not an official rep of Starbucks and you should always check into this stuff on your own to make sure it's correct and nothing has changed.

How do I qualify for insurance?
Once you start working for Starbucks you have to work 240 hours over the course of 3 months.  They start tracking the hours the first paycheck of the second month you work.  I conveniently started at the end of January, so it started tracking in February.  240 hours averages to 20 hours per week.  Again, this is an average over the 3 months.  If you meet the hours by the end of the three months, you are qualified to choose your insurance plan the following month and the benefits kick in the month after that.

So for me:
January: Started working
Feb- April: Averaged 20 hours per week to meet 240 hr requirement.
May: Chose insurance plan.
June: Insurance becomes active.

So your insurance will kick in approximately 5 months after you start.

If I work more hours, can I qualify for benefits sooner?
Sadly, no.  At least not if you are working as a barista or shift supervisor.  There are different requirements for store managers etc but I'm assuming most people reading this are just trying to get a barista job :)

Which insurance carrier does Starbucks use?
This depends on which state you live in, however, Starbucks offers many options when you choose your insurance!  I had FOUR carriers to choose from (Aetna, United Healthcare, Premara Blue Cross, and Cigna).  These seem to be the standard from what I've heard other people say but there are some other carriers in a few states.

How much do benefits cost per paycheck?
This is the million dollar question and very difficult to answer because there are many factors going into your per-paycheck cost.  First, it depends on which state you live in.  Second, it depends on if you are covering just yourself, or if you are adding a spouse (and/ or other children).  Third, it depends on what plan level you choose.  Each carrier has FIVE plan levels (bronze, bronze plus, silver, gold, platinum) and each one increases cost per-paycheck.

Each of the plan levels have different deductibles, out of pocket max, co-insurance, pharmacy benefits etc.  It definitely takes a while to decide what is important to you!

I think most people who do IVF will pick a gold or platinum plan.  Currently (July 2018) the gold plan has a $600 deductible and $3,500 OOPM.  The platinum plans have a $0 deductible and $1500 OOPM (all this for in-network).  Obviously, the cost per paycheck is much higher for platinum, however we decided to go with platinum as we knew I'd be having a lot of expensive procedures.

In NC for a gold or platinum plan you are looking at $97-$395 per paycheck (for the 2018-2019 year).  You can see more of the costs in this post. 

How much money do they offer for infertility benefits?
Most of the carriers offer $15,000 towards infertility.  Some of them also offer an additional $5,000 for infertility medications!  As of right now, Cigna does not offer the $5,000 for meds but Aetna, BC, and UHC do.  The $15,000 is a lifetime max.  This means even if you change companies in the future and they offer infertility benefits, if you use your $15k, it's gone.  However, insurance companies do not talk to each other so if you use all $15k with Cigna, you can switch to UHC and have $15k more to use!

What other benefits can I expect from Starbucks?
Besides the amazing infertility coverage, Starbucks has plenty of other awesome benefits!  For starters, if you drink coffee you get as many drinks as you want while you are working!  You also get one free food item during your shift.  I usually pick one of their protein boxes or salads that are more substantial and eat that as my lunch!  When you aren't working you get a 30% discount on everything, at any corporate Starbucks.

Starbucks has an awesome college program for those looking to get their first bachelor's degree.  You do it all online and it's 100% paid for!  Just like the health benefits, you only need to average 20 hours per week to qualify for this.

They will reimburse you for fitness events like if you run a marathon or 5k.  They have retirement and stock options.  The list goes on and on!