More Wal-Mart Workers Use Public Healthcare

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which is facing pressure from states to increase its employee benefits, has more of its workers enrolled in public healthcare programs than any other company in at least 17 states, according to a survey by labor union AFL-CIO.

Kelly Hobbs, a spokeswoman for the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer, said the company planned to cut the waiting period, now at two years, before part-time workers could join its health insurance plans, allow children of such workers to be covered and expand access to its $11-a-month insurance plan.