Medical insurance continues to be a national hot button issue. You need it. Your current and prospective employees need it. They have to look out for their families and will take or leave a job based on non-salary benefits which makes medical insurance a critical hiring and retention tool. If you want to attract and retain top talent, you need a strong benefit package that meets the diverse needs of your staff.
How Does Small Business Health Insurance Work?
There are four things every small business owner should know about how small business health insurance works.
Coverage is generally guaranteed issue
You need at least one employee to qualify
You must contribute toward employee premiums
You can shop for coverage at any time of the year
How Do I Get Small Business Health Insurance Quotes?
If you’re in the market for a small business health insurance plan, you should know:
Rates are based on age and geography. You have to submit a census
of all active, full-time employees.
Rates are filed with the State. You’ll pay the same price for the same plan no matter where you buy. When you buy through Shorebreak Insurance, you also get an advocate for the life of the coverage.
Comparing quotes for different plans and insurers can save you money.
Online quotes are not always accurate. You may unknowingly enter wrong information or select a plan with hidden deal breakers.
How Much Does Small Business Health Insurance Cost?
Getting coverage through a small business plan can be more affordable than buying individual coverage.
Employers must pay at least 50% of the employee only rate.
In general, small group coverage is a better value than individual insurance.
Individual coverage is paid for with after tax money. Small businesses write off their cost of group coverage and employees can pay their share with pre-tax money.
What are Association Health Plans?
In Oct 2017 President Trump eased restrictions for the formation of Association Health Plans. Final rules were released in June 2018. The result is that small employers and sole proprietors can band together to form an Association and purchase large group plans of higher benefit at lower rates. Associations must be of same industry or same geographic area.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates 4 million people will join an Association Health Plan.
We are working with businesses to establish Associations now