Why aren't Wal-mart and other big boxes part of health care reform?

[TwixVoy]

Am I the only one that thinks low wage mega corporations like Wal-mart, Target, et al should be paying up?

Wal-mart, for example, has actually been guilty of telling its low wage employees how to sign up for government services to compensate for its poor pay and benefits.

So isn't it about time these corporations start to pay up? This legislation should have included MASSIVE extra taxes for big boxes like Wal-mart for EACH employee that is forced to seek public assistance or go with out health care due to their failure to pay a living wage and provide decent benefits.

I just don't see how else this legislation will cause these corporations to work to make things better. It is not just the insurance companies that are the problem.... it is ALSO employers such as Wal-mart that don't want to provide a socially responsible medical option for employees.

[MadMaddie]

1. You would think

It seems to me that they would be whole heartedly behind this legislation. Healthier employees mean healthy employees going to work. Many corporations are pathetic and have proven themselves to be part of the problem.

[Statistical]

2. Correct me if I a wrong BUT

under both the house plan and senate plan employers must provide Health Insurance that meets a minimum level of pay a penalty as a % of wages.

I think Walmart said they are in favor of HCR simply because if they playing field is level it will hurt their competitors more seeing as Walmart has higher margins and greater ability to etract cost savings from suppliers.

So if both Walmart and Target need to equally "beef up" offered Health Care it is a net positive for Wally.

[joeunderdog]

3. Most employees work p/t and aren't eligible for company plans.

The rest of the workers get paid so little at their 25-30 h/w that they are eligible for Medicaid and WE pay for health insurance.

True story.