America’s Underserved Workforce: Why 70 Million Workers Need Benefits Now

Nearly half of America’s workforce is being left behind.

Over 70 million Americans work part-time, gig, or 1099 positions—and the vast majority have zero access to employer-sponsored benefits. While traditional full-time employees enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage, this massive segment of our workforce is systematically excluded from the benefits they desperately need.

The Numbers Tell a Powerful Story

Part-Time Workers: 28.7 Million Strong

Part-time workers represent 18% of the total employed workforce. But here’s what makes this even more concerning: 38.7% are involuntarily part-time—they want full-time work but can’t find it. These aren’t people choosing flexibility; they’re workers who need benefits but can’t access them.

Multiple job holders are now at their highest level in over 25 years. People are working harder than ever, juggling multiple positions just to make ends meet, yet still going without healthcare coverage.

The Gig Economy: 42-70 Million Workers

The gig economy has exploded. Between 42 and 70 million Americans are now engaged in gig work—more than one-third of the entire U.S. workforce. Consider these statistics:

  • 56% have two or more jobs or projects
  • 58% work 30 hours or less per week
  • Search interest in “gig work” surged 548% from 2019 to 2025
  • Projected to reach half of the U.S. workforce by 2027

This isn’t a trend. It’s a fundamental shift in how Americans work.

Independent Contractors: 16.8 Million and Growing

The 1099 workforce has seen a 50% increase from 2019 to 2024. Today, 59 million Americans freelance—representing 36% of the workforce. And 70% of them work independently by choice, valuing the flexibility and autonomy it provides.

But choice doesn’t mean they should go without healthcare.

The Benefits Gap: A Crisis in Plain Sight

Here’s the harsh reality:

  • Part-time workers typically receive zero employer benefits
  • Gig workers have no access to employer-sponsored healthcare
  • 1099 contractors are 100% responsible for their own coverage
  • Traditional health insurance is unaffordable for most in this segment

The impact is devastating. Millions of workers delay medical care, leading to worse health outcomes. Financial stress from medical costs affects productivity and quality of life. Meanwhile, employers struggle to attract and retain quality talent in an increasingly competitive labor market.

The Solution: Bridging the Gap

The Part-Time Benefits Company exists specifically to solve this problem. We’ve created affordable, accessible, comprehensive benefits designed for America’s non-traditional workforce.

Our 7-in-1 Essential Benefit Package

  • $0 Telemedicine (used by 54% of Americans in 2025)
  • Dental Discounts through Aetna Dental Access network
  • Vision Savings via V.S.P. Vision and Coast to Coast Vision
  • Prescription Discounts through Well RX
  • Lab Testing
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Counseling Services (EAP)

All starting at just $1.99 per week per employee.

Why This Works

24-48 hour activation. No waiting periods. No paperwork. No coverage denials.

Our benefits work with or without existing insurance, require no minimum participation, and maintain a 90%+ retention rate year-over-year. Best of all? Zero administrative burden for employers.

Market Validation: Telemedicine Proves the Need

Our most-used benefit, telemedicine, has become mainstream healthcare:

  • 54% of Americans used telehealth in 2025
  • 89% of users report high satisfaction
  • 4% of physicians use telehealth weekly
  • 47% of all telehealth visits are for mental/behavioral health

This validates that our core offering meets a proven, sustained market need.

The Business Case for Employers

Attract and Retain Talent

In competitive labor markets, benefits matter. Stand out from competitors, reduce turnover costs (averaging $4,000+ per employee), and show your workforce you genuinely care about their wellbeing.

Minimal Investment, Maximum Impact

At $1.99-$2.50 per week per employee (based on company size), this is an investment that pays for itself. Employers can contribute partially, fully, or offer it as 100% employee-paid. Revenue-neutral options are available.

Zero Administrative Burden

No complex enrollment processes. No claims management. No compliance headaches. All administration is handled by PTB, so you can focus on running your business.

Measurable ROI

  • Reduced absenteeism
  • Improved productivity
  • Higher employee satisfaction
  • Better retention rates

Who Benefits Most?

Industries with high part-time or gig workforces see the greatest impact:

  • Hospitality (hotels, resorts, tourism)
  • Retail (stores, shopping centers)
  • Food Service (restaurants, cafes, catering)
  • Staffing Agencies (temp workers, contract placements)
  • Seasonal Employers (summer camps, ski resorts, agriculture)
  • Franchise Operations (multi-unit operators)

Whether you’re a small business with 10 employees or a large organization with 1,000+, if you employ part-time, gig, or 1099 workers, this solution is for you.

The Bottom Line

70-90 million American workers deserve benefits.

They work hard, often juggling multiple jobs, yet are systematically excluded from traditional employer healthcare programs. The Part-Time Benefits Company exists to bridge this gap—making comprehensive, affordable benefits accessible to every worker, regardless of hours worked or employment classification.

This isn’t just good business. It’s the right thing to do.

Ready to make a difference for your workforce?

Join the growing number of forward-thinking employers who are providing real benefits to their part-time, gig, and contract employees.

Visit www.parttimebenefits.com to learn more.

The PTB 7-in-1 Essential Benefit Program

Comprehensive healthcare access for less than a cup of coffee per week.

What You Get

Seven essential benefits in one affordable package—designed specifically for part-time, gig, and 1099 workers who deserve real healthcare access:

$0 Telemedicine – Talk to a doctor anytime, anywhere, at no cost per visit
Dental Discounts – Save 20-50% on cleanings, fillings, and major procedures through the Aetna Dental Access network
Vision Savings – Affordable eye exams, glasses, and contacts via V.S.P. Vision and Coast to Coast Vision
Prescription Discounts – Up to 80% off medications at 65,000+ pharmacies nationwide through Well RX
Lab Testing – Discounted blood work and diagnostic testing when you need it
Identity Theft Protection – Peace of mind with monitoring and recovery services
Counseling Services – Free, confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program

What Makes It Different

Instant Access – Active in 24-48 hours, no waiting periods, no paperwork
No Barriers – No coverage denials, no pre-existing condition exclusions
Works Everywhere – Complements existing insurance or stands alone
Affordable for All – Starting at just $1.99/week—less than a daily coffee
Zero Hassle – No claims to file, no deductibles, no confusing bills

Why It Works

Because healthcare shouldn’t be a luxury reserved for full-time employees. Our 90%+ retention rate proves that when you give workers real benefits at a price they can afford, they use them, value them, and stay with employers who offer them.

This is healthcare access, simplified.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (December 2025), U.S. Census Bureau, Goldman Sachs Research, Gig Economy Data Hub, ADP Research, Upwork, FAIR Health, 2024-2025 National Telehealth Survey, American Medical Association