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ARLINGTON, Va. — Lidl US said Thursday that it will hire up to 1,000 temporary employees to help it meet the needs of customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those newly hired employees who don’t have health insurance will be eligible for benefits that include coverage for testing and treatment related to COVID-19 at no charge, according to the company.
That coverage will be offered under what Lidl describes as a first-in-the industry policy designed with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. Current Lidl US employees enrolled in company insurance plans will automatically receive the enhanced medical benefits package, which waives copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles and includes virtual visits through the CareFirst Video Visit platform. There will be no waiting time to receive the insurance, the company said.
“Every day, our number one priority is the health and safety of our customers and our team, and that is our primary focus during this public health emergency,” Lidl US Chairman Roman Heini said in a statement. “The new positions announced today will help us better meet the unprecedented needs of our customers. We are working hard to serve them and protect the health of our employees who are playing a critical role.”
Lidl said the announcement is in keeping with the company’s ongoing effort to offer one of the most generous benefits packages in the industry. In October 2019, Lidl US announced that it would provide medical benefits for all full and part-time employees, regardless of the number of hours they work per week. Since rolling out the initiative, more than 1,200 employees working part-time have become eligible to buy into medical coverage through the company. Part-time employees also currently receive dental, vision, life insurance and 401(k) benefits, the company said.
“When Lidl US asked us to help develop an enhanced plan to support their team amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we were honored to partner with them,” said Brian D. Pieninck, president and CEO of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. “The services that Lidl and its employees provide are essential to our communities, especially during periods of great challenge and uncertainty. By offering comprehensive COVID-19 coverage, Lidl US is demonstrating their commitment to put people first – a mission both CareFirst and Lidl share.”
