Quick answer
Yes, but the details depend on where you work. More than two-thirds of Kroger’s associates are covered by union contracts, and health care is part of every one of those contracts, so eligibility, waiting periods and costs are set locally. Non-union associates’ benefits are set by Kroger rather than a union contract. Kroger says its pay packages include affordable health care, and associates can get free counseling through Magellan Health and virtual counseling through BetterHelp. Its tuition help, up to $21,000, is open to both part-time and full-time associates.
Key takeaways
- Kroger employs more than 403,000 full- and part-time associates across its family of stores.
- More than two-thirds are covered by union contracts, and every contract includes health care.
- If you’re in a union job, your health plan and who qualifies are set by your local contract, not one company-wide rule.
- All associates can get free counseling sessions through Magellan Health, 24/7, plus BetterHelp virtual counseling.
- Ask HR or your union representative how many hours you need to work, and for how long, before coverage starts.
On this page
How Kroger health benefits work
Kroger runs grocery stores under many names, including Ralphs, King Soopers, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Smith’s, Harris Teeter and QFC. Benefits aren’t the same everywhere, because most store associates are represented by unions such as the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).
According to Kroger’s latest annual report, Kroger has about 350 union contracts, usually lasting three to five years, and wages, health care and pensions are included in all of them. That means two associates doing the same job in different regions can have different health plans, premiums and eligibility rules.
| If you’re… | Your health coverage usually comes from… |
|---|---|
| A union-represented store associate | The health plan in your local union contract, often run through a union health fund |
| A non-union associate | Kroger’s own plans, if you’re eligible |
| A salaried or corporate employee | Kroger’s own plans, if you’re eligible |
Part-time associates
Many Kroger associates work part-time. Whether part-timers get medical coverage, and after how many hours or months, depends on the union contract or company plan that covers your job. Some plans require you to work a minimum number of hours over a set period before you’re eligible. Ask for your plan’s eligibility rules in writing when you’re hired.
If you’re not eligible yet, you’ll need coverage from somewhere else:
- A parent’s plan if you’re under 26; see how long you can stay on your parents’ health insurance.
- A Marketplace plan, where you may get a premium tax credit if you’re not offered affordable coverage at work. See health insurance for individuals.
- Medicaid if your income is low; see health insurance for low-income families.
Other benefits Kroger lists
- Mental health: free counseling sessions through Magellan Health, available 24 hours a day, and BetterHelp virtual counseling
- Education: tuition reimbursement of up to $21,000 for both part-time and full-time associates
- Financial wellness: free, confidential financial counseling
- Retirement: savings plans, and pensions under Kroger’s union contracts
If you need help with mental health care, see does health insurance cover therapy.
Job-based coverage vs. the Marketplace
If Kroger or your union plan offers you coverage that’s affordable and meets minimum value, you usually can’t get a premium tax credit for a Marketplace plan. For 2026, coverage counts as affordable if your share of the premium for employee-only coverage is no more than 9.96% of your household income (10.22% in 2027). See can I get Marketplace coverage if my employer offers it. If you leave, you can usually keep the plan for a while through COBRA.
For other grocery and retail employers, see does Costco offer health insurance, does Walmart offer health insurance and does Target offer health insurance.
More employer guides: Amazon, Costco, DoorDash, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Lyft, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Target, Uber and Walmart.
Not eligible for Kroger coverage yet? Compare plans by ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kroger offer health insurance to part-time employees?
It depends on your union contract or plan, and the rules differ by region. Ask HR or your union whether part-time associates are eligible and after how many hours.
Is Kroger health insurance through the union?
For most store associates, yes. More than two-thirds of Kroger associates are covered by union contracts, and health care is part of each contract.
What mental health benefits does Kroger offer?
Kroger associates can get free counseling sessions through Magellan Health, available around the clock, and virtual counseling through BetterHelp.
Sources
Employer benefits change often, and union plans differ by region. This article is general information based on Kroger’s public filings and news releases and isn’t affiliated with Kroger or any union. Last reviewed September 2026.