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small business health insurance in Illinois

Best small business health insurance in Illinois

chibueze uchegbu | June 25th, 2022


This blog post helps you find the right small business health insurance in Illinois here, including data on eligibility, varieties, and costs.

Developing a prosperous company requires a lot of hard effort. Finding health insurance for a small business that is also inexpensive does not have to be difficult.

When it comes to locating and acquiring health insurance coverage, obtaining a small business has its own unique set of problems.

Fortunately, the new law enacted to modernize the health care system provides small companies with unique options to acquire health insurance at a reasonable cost.

Offering Benefits the Old Fashioned Way

It was more cost-effective to give your workers dollars to shop for individual health insurance exchanges during the first few years after the Affordable Care Act was implemented rather than to offer employer-sponsored health insurance. This was the case even though both options were available to the employees.

People could become qualified for a subsidy, which meant that the government would pay a portion of the individual’s plan rather than the employer having to do so. Additionally, there were several different insurance companies from which individuals could select.

There was a reduction in the burden of administration for the employer. The financial burden of the employees was lifted when their employers provided them with cash directly.

The advantages provided by these individual health insurance exchanges could not be topped—that is until the insurance companies were no longer able to profit from them.

Because of this, many carriers were unable to maintain a steady cash flow, and as a result, many went out of business very rapidly. Because of this same issue, the Land of Lincoln Health facility in the state of Illinois had no choice but to close its doors.

Other insurance companies, such as United Healthcare, did not even have a product that could be sold to people, but they have been quite successful in the market for group health insurance (i.e. employer-sponsored health plans).

Different Types of Health Insurance for Small Businesses in Illinois

Below, you find the different types of small business health insurance in Illinois since Small companies often have the option of selecting coverage from one of two basic types of health insurance:

1) Individual Health Insurance

Person health insurance plans are health insurance policies that an individual buys on their behalf or on behalf of their family to cover medical expenses. Individual health insurance policies are available for purchase by anybody.

People who run small businesses but are unable to offer group coverage owing to restrictions for a minimum contribution (or minimum participation) generally buy individual and family policies for themselves and their families.

Insurance providers will no longer be permitted to refuse coverage to individuals for individual medical insurance because the individual has a pre-existing medical condition. In addition, additional specific tax benefits are available to both enterprises and their employees if employees buy their health insurance policies.

People who are self-employed and buy their health insurance may be eligible to take a tax deduction for the cost of their monthly premiums under certain circumstances.

When smaller companies want to provide their workers with individual health insurance coverage, they sometimes establish a “Pure” Defined Contribution Health Plan to compensate their workers for individual premiums in a manner that is exempt from taxation.

2) Group Health Insurance

Employer-sponsored health care can take the shape of group health insurance programs for employees. The employee and the company normally split the costs, and the coverage may also be extended to the employee’s dependents if both parties agree.

People who are self-employed in states where there are no other workers at their business may still be eligible for group health insurance policies.

Plan Categories Available to Small Businesses in Illinois

There are many distinct kinds of health plans to choose from, regardless of whether you are interested in individual health insurance or health insurance for your organization.

What you and your workers desire, as well as how much money you are ready to pay, will determine the sort of plan that is optimal for both you and your staff. The following is a quick rundown of the five most common types of health insurance plans:

  •  PPO Health Insurance Programs

The most prevalent type of health insurance plan is known as a PPO, which stands for “preferred provider organization.”

Employees who are insured by a PPO plan are required to receive their medical treatment from physicians or hospitals that are included on the list of preferred providers maintained by the insurance company. This ensures that claims are paid at the greatest level possible.

  •  Health Insurance HMO Plans

Health Maintenance Organization” is what “HMO” stands for in the industry. HMO plans allow members access to a comprehensive selection of medical treatment options by coordinating with a group of doctors and hospitals that have entered into an exclusive provider agreement with the HMO or have indicated their willingness to treat HMO members.

Employees who enroll in HMO plans are often required to choose a primary care physician (also known as a “PCP”) who will be responsible for providing the majority of their medical treatment and will refer them to HMO specialists when required.

  •  HSA-Eligible Health Insurance Programs

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans are the most common type of plan that may be used with a health savings account (HSA).

An HSA, or health savings account, is a specialized type of bank account that allows account holders to set aside money in a tax-deferred manner to pay for future medical costs.

Because of the benefits that they offer to businesses, Section 105 Healthcare Reimbursement Plans (HRPs) are frequently employed in place of HSAs by companies.

  •  Health Insurance Policies That Cover Indemnities

Members of plans that provide indemnity have the freedom to choose their doctors and hospitals, as well as to conduct their medical treatment.

After then, the insurance company will pay a certain amount toward the overall costs. Employees may be obliged to pay for some treatments themselves before the insurance company will reimburse them for those costs.

  •  POS:

Plans that operate like POS (Point-of-service) do double duty, filling the roles of both an HMO and a PPO.

If you have a POS plan, you are free to visit any physician you want; but, you will have the opportunity to enjoy cost savings if you remain within your network. Additionally, in most cases, you will be required to have the recommendation to visit a specialist.

Eligibility for Health Insurance in the State of Illinois:

  • Group plans provide guaranteed medical care for businesses with two to fifty employees. The minimum required weekly hours of labor for eligible employees is thirty.

The owner might be considered an employee as well. The owner’s name on the business license ought to be someone who receives compensation from the firm.

  • Plans for individuals are subject to eligibility being determined by a medical underwriter. If you are unable to obtain coverage due to a preexisting condition, you may be qualified for either the AHIP or the PCIP.
  • Employees who are eligible for COBRA and whose employers have 20 or more staff members can purchase guaranteed health insurance coverage. Employees have a period of sixty days from the date of termination to sign up for the program.
  • HIPAA requires that you have had 18 months of continuous coverage and have used up all of your options for continuing coverage via Cobra or the state. Must not have had coverage canceled in the past due to fraud or failure to pay payments. There are 63 days left for you to sign up.
  • To comply with HIPAA regulations, an individual has to be eligible for Medicaid and have access to employer-sponsored insurance or Cobra.

The Cost of Monthly Health Insurance in Illinois:

  • Costs for group plans are determined by the employer contribution as well as an additional twenty percent of the index rate charged by the insurance provider.
  • Costs for individual coverage might vary significantly from plan to plan.
  • The costs associated with COBRA can range anywhere from 102% to 150% of the costs of corporate health insurance.
  • HIPAA stipulates that the monthly fees will be different for each plan.
  • Checks are sent out every month to reimburse the entire amount of employer-sponsored insurance premiums under HIPAA. Pays the insurance carrier directly on behalf of COBRA participants or small companies who qualify for the program.

The Top Health Insurance Companies in the State of Illinois

It is time to pick a health insurance plan now that you have an understanding of the many sorts and categories of health insurance as well as the things that your policy will cover.

Let’s take a look at many of the most reputable health insurance providers that the Affordable Care Act Marketplace in Illinois has to offer.

  1. Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois provides residents with access to a comprehensive selection of health insurance options. It provides coverage through both PPO and HMO options, as well as different tiers of each plan, to assist you in striking a balance between coverage and prices.

You may search for pharmaceuticals by the plan on its website, which provides a clear listing of each prescription drug that is included in each plan.

This allows you to verify that your prescriptions will be covered. Blue Cross Blue Shield is the best option for coverage in Illinois in our opinion because it provides coverage across the whole state and a large variety of different plan options.

  1. HealthAlliance

Are you looking for the most cost-effective method to safeguard your health? Be sure to give some thought to enrolling in a HealthAlliance insurance plan. Its least expensive plan options start at around $333 per month for nonsmokers.

Which is more than $200 cheaper than the typical plan offered in Illinois. HealthAlliance provides both HMO and POS plan options, and many of the POS plan options have coinsurance rates of 0% for the most common medical treatments and services that you could require.

There are plans accessible in most areas of Illinois, so there is a good possibility that you can discover affordable coverage close to where you live. If you are seeking a means to obtain coverage that won’t put a strain on your finances, HealthAlliance can provide you with a quotation.

  1. Ambetter

Ambetter provides its customers in Illinois with a variety of HMO plan options. Obtaining coverage via Ambetter is a very straightforward process.

To get started, all you need is your Social Security number, some information about your salary and existing health insurance, as well as some information about your employment.

You may easily identify primary care doctors and specialists in your area who accept your Ambetter plan by using the online doctor search tool that this company provides. A lot of companies even provide copays and coinsurance rates for preventative care that are free of charge.

  1. Cigna

In Illinois, coverage from Cigna is only offered in a small number of the state’s counties. However, its HMO coverage alternatives are quite inexpensive, and a significant number of plans provide free preventive care services.

According to Cigna, four out of five customers who join a plan are eligible to get a waiver to assist them in covering the costs of their premiums.

It only takes a few clicks and a few clicks of your mouse to add a dental insurance option to your Cigna health insurance plan because the company provides very low-cost dental coverage as well. Additionally, Cigna provides customer assistance that is available around the clock, which can be an added source of comfort if this is your first time purchasing an HMO insurance plan.

Defined Contribution Plans: Small Business Health Insurance’s Future

Employers who want to provide health benefits to their employees but don’t want to provide the typical group health insurance plan have another option: defined contribution plans.

Instead of paying the fees for a particular group health plan, companies provide their employee’s tax-deductible monthly allowances that can be used on private health insurance and other tax-free medical bills.

The following is a list of features that are included in defined contribution plans:

  • The choice for Employees allows workers to select the health insurance policy that most effectively meets their requirements.
  • Costs That Are Fixed Employers might better manage their workers’ health care expenditures by providing them with set monthly allowances.
  • Savings: the use of Defined Contribution Plans by companies often yields costs that are lower than those of group health plans, which means that employees and employers alike can enjoy financial benefits.

FAQs small business health insurance in Illinois

Below, you will find the answers to the most asked questions about the small business health insurance in Illinois;

  • Does Illinois compel me to provide my employees with health insurance?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that employers provide health insurance coverage, but Illinois does not. Health care requirements do not apply to all businesses.

If your small business employs less than 50 full-time workers, you are not required to provide health insurance. However, by providing coverage, you will be able to attract more competent candidates.

  • Does my business’s size matter?

The recommended plan is based on the size and number of employees of the firm.

  • How can I obtain health insurance for my Illinois small business?

Start by establishing your objectives and budget. You may speed the process by dealing directly with the corporation, eliminating the need for intermediaries or third-party administrators.

  • What will my health insurance premiums be in Illinois?

This is contingent upon the percentage of employee premiums you will fund and the number of employees who want to enroll.

Costs will also vary according to how much you cover for dependents of your employees. Choosing the right sort of coinsurance, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums will also affect your (and your workers’) expenditures.

Conclusion on the small business health insurance in Illinois

Obtaining health insurance may be complicated. Before enrolling in a plan or selecting a plan provider, make careful to conduct thorough research and ask pertinent questions to avoid long-term issues.

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Small Business Health Insurance in California

Best Small Business Health Insurance in California

chibueze uchegbu | May 31st, 2022


The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of small business health insurance in California.

This guide examines small business health insurance options in California. Building a successful business requires a significant amount of effort.

Finding low-cost small business health insurance does not have to be difficult. When it comes to finding and obtaining health insurance coverage, all small businesses face unique challenges. Fortunately, recent health-care reform legislation provides special opportunities for small businesses to obtain affordable health insurance.

Health insurance is a type of insurance that pays for medical and surgical costs. Health insurance is insurance that covers all or part of the risk of a person incurring medical expenses.

The Health Insurance Association of America defines health insurance as “coverage.” Health insurance can cover a limited or broad range of medical treatments, and it can pay for all or part of the price of individual services.

As with other types of insurance, there is a risk for many people. Depending on the type of health insurance a person has, the insured may pay out of pocket and be reimbursed, or the insurer may pay directly to the provider.

Types of Health Insurance for small businesses in California

Read on;

1. Personal Health Insurance

Individuals purchase personal health insurance policies to protect themselves or their families. Anyone can obtain individual health insurance.

Individual and family insurance plans are typically purchased by small business owners who are unable to provide group coverage due to minimum contribution (or minimum participation) requirements.

When a small business decides to offer individual health insurance, it is common for it to set up a “Pure” Defined Contribution Health Plan to reimburse employees for individual premiums tax-free.

2. Group health Insurance

Group health insurance plans are a type of health insurance provided by an employer. Costs are typically split between the employer and the employee, and coverage may include dependents. In some states, self-employed individuals with no other employees may be eligible for group health insurance plans.

Small Business Health Insurance in California

See below for small business health insurance in California;

  • 1. Health For California – Covered CA Enrollment

They are a health insurance agency in California that has been in business since 2004. Their agents are all licensed by the California Department of Insurance and Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange.

Their agents are guaranteed to know their stuff, to treat you with respect and kindness, and to make purchasing health insurance in the new world of Healthcare Reform as simple as possible for you. They simplify things.

They’ll provide you with a quick quote, assist you in determining the best plan for you, and walk you through the application process. They assist you in enrolling in a health plan that meets your needs, fits your budget, and keeps you from being penalized.

When you enroll through them, they will receive a commission from the health insurance carrier you choose. Enrolling with Health For California does not cost you anything extra. They’ve realized that most employers are confused about how Obamacare has affected group health insurance in California.

They are curious as to why the benefits and rates have changed so dramatically. Obamacare has changed the way insurance providers calculate rates for group medical insurance; Obamacare uses standard benefits and metallic tiers to compare health plan benefits; insurance providers use physician and hospital networks to reduce plan costs; and small employers can offer a variety of health insurance plans to meet the needs of their employees.

Contact: +1 877-752-4737

Address: 4000 Montgomery Dr d7, Santa Rosa, CA95405, United States

  • 2. Health Insurance Brokers, LLC

Health Insurance Brokers was founded in 2004 by JOHN W. BARRETT as a partnership of independent insurance brokers specializing in health insurance and related supplemental and employee benefits.

The firm’s mission is to provide innovative health insurance solutions and income protection to individuals and families, self-employed individuals, and small business owners.

Furthermore, they counsel seniors on their Medicare options. One of their main areas of focus is acting as an exit broker for California companies and professional firms, assisting former employees in finding individual health insurance coverage as an alternative to an employer’s COBRA coverage.

Health Insurance Brokers, LLC specialize in advising small business owners with fewer than 35 employees on group health insurance plans and supplemental employee benefits. In addition to acting as a health insurance broker, they consult with a number of national consulting firms, independent securities research firms, investment advisory firms, and private equity firms on current health insurance trends and the health insurance brokerage industry in general.

Contact: +1 626-689-7654

Address: 333 W California Blvd #309, Pasadena, CA91105, United States

  • 3. Solid Health Insurance Agency

Solid Health Insurance Agency’s mission is to find the most affordable health insurance, life insurance, and long-term care insurance for you, your family, and your small business! Solid Health Insurance compares rates from carriers such as Anthem, Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, and Health Net both inside and outside of the California State Health Insurance Exchange, Covered California.

They believe that low-cost life insurance and long-term care insurance will protect your family from unanticipated life events. They offer low-cost life and long-term care insurance comparison quotes from carriers such as Transamerica, Allianz, Genworth, ING, and others.

What does the term “solid” mean? It means you have adequate coverage for your health, life, home, and business. They want to protect your hard-earned assets so you can focus on your family’s dreams as well as your financial and business goals.

Solid Health Insurance Services focuses on providing their clients with the best plans for their budget and medical needs, whether they are individuals or small businesses. They specialize in California health, dental, vision, life, long-term care, and workers’ compensation insurance.

Contact: +1 310-909-6135

Address: 11620 Wilshire Blvd #900, Los Angeles, CA90025, United States

  • 4. Covered California Fresno

Their highly knowledgeable agents are certified, trained, and up to date on the most recent laws affecting your coverage options. Their agents provide in-person assistance to both individuals and small businesses at their local storefronts to help them review the various options available. Covered California is dedicated to making it as simple as possible to choose and purchase a health insurance policy or enroll in Medi-Cal.

There are numerous advantages to using Covered California to assist you in enrolling in a health insurance plan. The first benefit is that you will never have to worry about getting the right coverage for you. Navigating the healthcare market on your own is extremely difficult, especially if you are purchasing health insurance for the first time, switching plans, or simply wondering if there are better options.

Second, Covered California is focused on the California health insurance market, so you can be confident that the plan you receive is applicable in your area.

Covered California also provides assistance to small businesses. They understand the difficulties in finding a plan that is appropriate for all of your employees while remaining within your company’s budget.

They can assist your employees in selecting a great insurance company and even assist you in locating federal tax benefits to assist you in lowering the cost of an employer insurance program. You can determine how much you can offer to support your employees’ health insurance needs with the help of Covered California, while also providing them with the benefit of choice and live customer service support.

Contact: +1 559-222-4140

Address: 4005 N Blackstone Ave #101, Fresno, CA93726, United States

  • 5. Valley Health Plan

Valley Health Plan (VHP) was founded in 1985 to provide a health-care option for County of Santa Clara employees, and by 1995, it had grown to 4,500 members.

They are now an option for employer groups and individuals purchasing coverage through Covered California and VHP’s Individual and Family plans. They provide quality service and affordable health plan options to their members through their mission, vision, and values.

VHP will have a positive and equitable impact on families, friends, and neighbors. They strive to promote the health and well-being of their members by providing accessible, high-quality health care and community-focused, local care.

They are concerned with their members’ overall well-being. They demonstrate compassion and understanding for where each individual is on their health journey, they improve their community by advocating for the uniqueness of each individual, embrace a commitment to treating their members with dignity and respect, as well as the importance of ensuring health equity in both treatment and outcomes.

Valley Health Plan forms long-term relationships with its providers, brokers, and other partners to promote local business. They strive for continuous improvement in the services they provide, as well as satisfaction with the VHP experience.

Contact: +1 888-421-8444

Address: 2480 N First St #160, San Jose, CA 95131, United States

Conclusion on the small business health insurance in California

Employees with health insurance are most likely going to last in an organization and be more productive and effective. Offering group insurance plans can encourage employees to perform to their full potential.

Employees who are in good health are less likely to miss work and are more likely to visit the doctor for regular checkups and preventative care.

Healthy employees are more likely to remain motivated, focused, and open if their medical needs are met.

Employers can reap the benefits of a more effective workforce by investing in the long-term health of their employees by providing health insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Small Business Health Insurance in California

You will find the answers to some of the top questions about small business health insurance in California;

  1. Can an employer make different contributions to employee medical insurance?

It should be noted that it is generally permissible for an employer to contribute a percentage of employees’ premiums — say, 75% — which will eventually vary in dollar amount per employee, depending on the employee’s premium associated with his/her/their age.

  1. What is the California minimum employer contribution for health insurance?

Contributions from the Employer Employers in California are required to contribute at least 50% of the employee’s only monthly cost, or “premium.” So, if the monthly cost for one employee (without dependents) is $300, the employer must pay at least $150.

  1. How much does health insurance cost California employers?

In California, the average monthly health insurance premium, including employer contributions, was $597 for single coverage and $1,634 for family coverage, which was significantly higher than the national average.

  1. In California, are small businesses required to provide health insurance?

Small business owners with fewer than 50 full-time employees are exempt from providing health insurance to their employees.

However, if a small business with fewer than 50 full-time employees does offer coverage, that coverage must meet the requirements of the ACA.

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Best Small business health insurance in Texas

chibueze uchegbu | May 16th, 2022


Today, we will look at Small business health insurance in Texas. Health insurance is a type of insurance that helps pay for an insured person’s medical and surgical expenses.

It covers all or part of the risk of a person incurring medical expenses. The Health Insurance Association of America defines health insurance as “coverage.”

Health insurance can cover a limited or broad range of medical treatments, and it can pay for all or part of the price of individual services.

Overview of Small business health insurance in Texas

The advantages of health insurance can never be overestimated, and when it comes to small businesses, it remains a cardinal factor to be considered.

For efficiency to be attained in businesses, there remains an undying need for establishments to have the health of their employees insured.

And today, the essentials you ought to know about small business health insurance in Texas are unraveled.

As with other types of insurance, there is a risk for many people. Depending on the type of health insurance coverage a person has, the insured pays out of their pocket and is reimbursed, or the insurer pays directly to the provider.

A routine finance structure, such as a monthly premium or payroll tax, can be developed by an insurer, to provide the money to pay for the health care benefits specified in the insurance agreement by estimating the overall risk of health risk and health system expenses over the reserve funds.

The benefit is managed by a central organization, which could be a government agency or a private company.

Types of Small Business Health Insurance plan

There are several types of health plans available, depending on whether you are looking for individual or group health insurance.

Texas Small Business Health Insurance Plans Come in Four Varieties, the four you must be aware of are:

1. PPO Health Insurance Plans

The most common type of plan is a Preferred Provider Organization(PPO). In order for claims to be paid at the highest level, employees covered by a PPO plan must seek medical care from doctors or hospitals on the insurance company’s preferred provider list.

2. HMO Health Insurance Plans

Health Maintenance Organization is the full meaning of HMO. HMO plans offer a wide range of health care services through a network of providers who only work for the HMO, or who agree to provide services to members.

Employees enrolled in HMO plans must typically choose a primary care physician (“PCP”) to provide the majority of their health care and refer them to HMO specialists as needed.

3. HSA-Qualified Health Insurance Plans

HSA-qualified plans are typically PPO plans that are specifically designed for use with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

An HSA is a type of bank account that allows participants to save money – pre-tax – to be used for future medical expenses.

4. Indemnity Health Insurance Plans

Indemnity plans allow members to direct their own health care and go to any doctor or hospital they want.

The insurance company then pays a predetermined percentage of the total charges. Employees may be required to pay for some services in advance and then apply for reimbursement from their insurance company.

Top 10 Health Insurance Agencies for Small Businesses in Texas

See below for the list of health insurance agencies for small businesses in Texas;

  • 1. Fort Worth Lay and Williams Health Insurance Services

Lay and Williams Insurance Services has been providing health insurance to both employers and individuals in Texas since 1983.

Their comprehensive tailor-made benefit packages can address the company’s and employees’ specific needs.

Lay and Williams insurance services can design a waste-free health care option that will help control both costs and administrative tasks by focusing on the specifics of your group or family.

  • 2. Custom Health Plans, Inc.

They provide small businesses with affordable health insurance quotes for a reliable health care plan in Texas. Custom health plans, Inc is based in Plano, Texas, their team of professionals has more than 30 years of experience in the health insurance and financial services fields.

Their integrated suite of online services and partnerships with top health insurance carriers positions them to offer the highest level of service and guarantees small businesses the best health insurance plans in Texas.

  • 3. IHS Insurance Group LLC

Individual Health, Medicare, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Dental & Vision Plans, Auto, Homeowners, and Commercial Insurance are all available from IHS Insurance Group LLC.

They are in downtown Tomball, Texas, and are easily accessible from Houston, Spring, Cypress, Magnolia, Huntsville, The Woodlands, and other nearby cities. Unlike agencies that only represent one insurance carrier, they have access to multiple A+ rated carriers and can compare shops to save you time and money! IHS Insurance Group has been serving its customers for over 15 years by carefully recommending and monitoring coverage each year to ensure exceptional coverage at affordable prices.

  • 4. Stub Insurance & Financial

Trust Stubblefield Insurance Agency, LLC is a company that will always put its customers first. They strive to understand the customer, so they can find the best rates and coverages for the customer’s needs.

At Stubblefield Insurance Agency, LLC, help small businesses prevent financial loss caused by unexpected medical costs.

Stub insurance and financial values your health and strive to provide their clients with customized insurance coverage suitable to the client’s budget and lifestyle.

They offer Group health care and In that policy, businesses or organizations choose the plan for their employees or members. The risk is spread across a group, reducing the insurance cost that the members receive.

5. Selected Benefits

Selected Benefits is the preferred agent in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin for professionals seeking large and small group health insurance, individual health insurance, health savings accounts, and life insurance.

They are A+ rated by the Greater Houston BBB. Since 2002, we have been serving Texans. As a licensed insurance broker in the state, Selected Benefits is the best resource for finding the best health insurance products and services for your employees.

As a leading health insurance broker in the Houston, Austin, and Dallas areas,  selected benefits help the client navigate the often-challenging assortment of insurance plans and providers.

  • 6. GPS Insurance Agency

Since 1987, GPS Insurance Agency has been doing business as “Gehrels & Associates” from their offices in Winters, Texas.

Their distinct brand of customer service has given them the opportunity to work with clients from all over Texas.

Their “Advertising” concept has been strictly through “Word of Mouth,” yet they now enjoy lifelong relationships with individual clients and business groups from the Dallas/Ft.Worth Area to Midland/Odessa, and from Amarillo to Houston.

They are always a phone call away and regularly travel from the heart of Texas to every corner of this Great State to provide personal service and attention to detail.

  • 7. HealthCov Insurance Group, LLC

At Health Cov, they offer high-quality, low-cost health insurance plans that are tailored to their client’s specific requirements.

They will match their clients with the best plans to safeguard their health, wellness, and assets. Individuals, families, self-employed people, and small businesses are all served by Health Cov. They provide nationwide PPOs, plans that are guaranteed to renew, and several zero-deductible options.

Their services are currently available in ten states, with several more on the way. They protect their clients, their families, their assets, and their employees so business owners can focus on enjoying life.

  • 8. Thumann Agency, Inc

Thumann Insurance Agency has provided superior coverage at the most competitive prices for over 22 years. From their North Dallas office, they proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth community as well as the entire state of Texas.

As a leading family-owned Independent Insurance Broker, they represent over 80 of the country’s leading insurance carriers, allowing them to find the best price, coverage, and service combination for client’s personal and business needs.

Because they are an independent agency, they have more flexibility within policies to help their clients find precisely what they are looking for. In most cases, they will have clients’ quotes ready for them the same day.

Furthermore, when the time comes to file a claim, their agents will be there to assist the client during the process.

  • 9. Boulter Insurance Agency

Boulter Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency in Tuscola, Texas that serves the entire state of Texas, with a primary focus on Taylor, Jones, Runnels, Coleman, and Callahan counties, as well as the cities of Tuscola, Abilene, Winters, Coleman, Clyde, Buffalo Gap, and Lawn. Boulter Insurance Agency’s mission is to provide the insurance protection their clients require by offering high-quality products, excellent service, and guaranteed value.

This Agency is dedicated to locating the best insurance solutions for their clients, their families, and their companies. Boulter Insurance Agency represents several insurance companies as an independent agency.

They can compare coverage and prices to provide their clients with the best value for their needs. Furthermore, Boulter Insurance Agency brings years of experience.

10. PK Kelley Insurance Agency, LLC

PK Kelley Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency serving the West Texas community.

Their entire staff takes pride in providing personalized and responsive customer support to their customers throughout the San Angelo area as their local source for insurance services and solutions.

PK Kelley Insurance Agency’s ultimate goal is to develop long-term relationships with each of its clients so that it can continue to provide excellent service for many years to come.

The PK Kelley Insurance Agency Team is dedicated to providing clients with the best possible service.

A final thought on Small business health insurance in Texas

Employees who are in good health are valuable assets to any company. Offering group insurance plans can motivate employees to perform at their peak.

Healthy employees will hardly take sick days and be more likely to see the doctor for regular checkups and preventative care visits.

With their medical needs met, healthy employees are more likely to remain motivated and focused on their jobs and are more open.

When employees have health insurance, they will generally be more upfront with their employer about any health problems.

Employers can reap the benefits of a more effective workforce by investing in their employees’ long-term health by providing health insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Small business health insurance in Texas

See below for the perfect answer to the most asked questions on Small business health insurance in Texas;

  1. Do small businesses have to offer health insurance in Texas?

Businesses in Texas with fewer than 50 full-time employees are not currently required to provide group health insurance coverage.

If your company has 50 or more full-time employees, it is considered an applicable large employer, and you may face penalties if you do not provide health insurance benefits.

  1. What Does Health Insurance Cover?

Medicals, prescriptions, and surgical services are typically covered by health insurance. It covers your medical care if you become ill or injured, as well as preventative care like vaccines and wellness checkups with your doctor. It covers the majority of prescription drugs and medical devices.

However, health insurance does not cover elective surgical procedures or cosmetic treatments, and it is not the same as accident insurance.

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Small business health insurance costs

chibueze uchegbu | April 8th, 2022


What do you know about Small business health insurance costs? All of these variables contribute to the overall expense of providing group health insurance coverage, which goes above and above the already high rates.

So, how much does small business health insurance cost, and what can a small business owner do if health insurance prices seem unaffordable given the company’s financial situation?

In this post, we’ll go through the prices that small businesses may expect to incur while providing group health insurance, as well as how businesses can keep their expenditures under control.

Procedure for obtaining small-group health insurance?

Small-group health insurance plans are available to businesses with fewer than 50 full-time comparable employees, and these plans can be used to provide health insurance to their employees.

Insurance companies that specialize in small groups evaluate risk based on a group of employees rather than on a single individual.

As a result, they can provide lower premiums than many workers would be able to obtain if they acquired their health insurance.

For small-group health insurance, unlike some other types of health insurance, you can browse for coverage at any period of the year.

How much are the premiums for group health insurance?

The average annual group health insurance prices for single coverage are approximately $7,470, while the average annual family coverage costs are approximately $21,342.

67 percent of small businesses pay between 25 percent and 50 percent of the premiums for family coverage, which amounts to approximately $455 to $910 in monthly expenses for a family of four.

Premiums for certain types of plans, such as preferred provider organization (PPO) policies and health maintenance organization (HMO) plans, are more expensive than for others.

In addition, premiums are more costly in the Northeast and Midwest areas of the United States, as well as in particular businesses such as transportation, communications, and utility services.

Without a doubt, increasing the amount of cost-sharing required from employees can help firms save money on their budgets.

The addition of these criteria, on the other hand, increases the likelihood that eligible employees will refuse to participate in the plan.

It is possible that the organization will not be able to give the policy at all if a large number of employees refuse to participate.

The majority of states demand that at least 70% of employees engage in a group health insurance plan to be valid.

What are the factors that contribute to an increase in healthcare premiums for small businesses?

Requirements for contributions from employers

The majority of insurers require the employer to cover at least half of the cost of their employees’ insurance premiums.

Additionally, if you want to be eligible for the federal small-business health care tax credit, you must pay 50 percent of your employees’ insurance costs.

You can use the 50 percent requirement is a simple approach to estimate how much that will cost you to provide health insurance to your employees.

According to the average yearly cost of health insurance for a person at a small firm, which is $7 813, you would be required to pay approximately $3 910 each year for a single employee in this scenario.

Small business health insurance costs

Businesses can lower their costs by having employees pay a greater share of their health insurance premiums; nevertheless, there are hazards associated with this practice.

Generally speaking, most states demand that at least 70% of employees join a group health plan. If too many workers refuse to participate, your company may be unable to provide the policy.

  • Profile of a member of staff

Under the Affordable Care Act, the price of small-group insurance premiums cannot be influenced by the medical history and pre-existing conditions of the insured’s family members. Only the following elements can influence premiums:

  • Your employees’ and their dependents’ ages, as well as their marital status.
  • Employees’ smoking and eating behaviors.
  • Your employees’ homes.

If the majority of your employees fall into a specific age category or if a significant number of them smoke, for example, you may be subject to higher insurance costs as an employer.

  • The Type Of Insurance Policy You Select

Affordability is divided into four categories under the Affordable Care Act: bronze (least costly for employers), silver, gold, and platinum (most expensive for the employer). These categories are determined by the amount of money that the insurer gives to the plan, not by the quality of treatment provided.

A platinum plan, for example, would cover an average of 90% of the cost of care, with the employee paying an average of only 10% of the total cost of the care received. With a bronze plan, the company would pay an average of 60% of the premium, with the employee contributing an average of 40%.

Small organizations can also provide employees with the choice to choose from a variety of metal tiers rather than just one while maintaining the per-employee cost constant.

Typical types of health insurance plans, including preferred provider organizations and health maintenance organizations, are classified according to their metal tiers.

PPOs are often more expensive than HMOs, but they also allow access to a bigger network of providers than do HMOs.

  • Industry And Geographical Location

Some places have higher premiums than others, and some areas have lower premiums. Furthermore, because health-care expenses might fluctuate from one year to the next, your employer’s contribution may not be stable over time.

Specific businesses, like transportation, health care, and utilities, have significantly higher employer premiums than the general population.

What is the average amount of time it takes to manage a group health insurance policy?

An additional, less evident cost associated with the implementation of group health insurance plans is the time required to administer the plan, which is in addition to premiums.

For most small businesses who are striving to accomplish as much as possible with as few employees as possible, the effect of this administrative expense may even outweigh the cost of the premiums paid.

Let’s go over the three most important aspects that contribute to the time and labor requirements of administering a group health plan:

  • The organization must observe ongoing regulatory developments.

Providing a group health insurance plan is not an option for many small firms, and having a complete human resources department to handle the administrative chores associated with doing so is just not an option.

A previously overburdened employee must take on the role of go-to person for informing employees on who is qualified for coverage, which local facilities are in or out of network, and what is included under the plan—all while keeping up with changing regulations.

It’s easy for some requirements to slide through the cracks if no one is keeping an eye on them all the time. This might result in your plan being found to be out of compliance, which can result in heavy fines of up to thousands of dollars.

  • Difficult communication procedures

Group health insurance programs also necessitate a time-consuming and complex communication procedure between employers, insurance companies, and their respective employees.

Employers are frequently compelled to act as a “middleman” between insurance carriers and employees, coordinating time-consuming and disorganized back-and-forth contact every time an insurance issue arises, which may be extremely inconvenient. These are the kinds of hours that would be significantly better spent working for your company.

  • Excruciating yearly renewal processes

The final point to mention is that the annual benefit renewals that go with group health insurance policies are complicated and take a significant amount of time to complete.

Employees who filed a higher-than-usual range of health insurance claims the previous year will almost certainly face higher costs or terms changes as a result of the high-cost claims they lodged the previous year.

When faced with a change in benefit plans, you must decide whether you will simply accept the changes, argue with the provider, or seek to identify new plans and practices that better align with their budget and benefit objectives. You may need to interact with benefits brokers to accomplish this, which will take time.

Investing just four hours per month of one employee’s time in benefits administration and five days during benefits renewal results in an extra 88 hours of the employee’s time which could have been spent in other ways and perhaps more constructively. Small businesses can save a lot of money by outsourcing their benefits administration.

Where can you get health insurance for your small business?

It is possible to obtain small-group health insurance for your employees in one of the following ways:

  • Obtaining insurance directly from an insurance company in your state

When you work with an insurance firm, the broker will shop for plans that are tailored to your company’s needs.

They’ll charge a commission (usually a portion of the premium), as well as a broker’s fee if you choose to use their services. You can purchase health insurance through some payroll programs, such as Gusto and QuickBooks Payroll, that are hosted on their sites.

  • Using the SBHOP:

SHOP is the federal government’s insurance alternative for small firms with fewer than 50 full-time comparable employees, according to the Small Business Administration (up to 100 in some states).

A minimum of 70% of your eligible employees must participate in the SHOP health plan that you provide, according to state law in most cases. A small-business health-care tax credit of up to 50 percent of premium costs may be available to businesses with less than 25 employees who meet certain criteria.

  • Employing the services of a Professional Employer Organization.

A professional employer organization (PEO) is a corporation that you can contract to administer perks on your behalf. PEOs have the legal authority to lawfully become your employees’ co-employers.

PEOs have a combined employment pool that is similar to that of a larger corporation because they serve as co-employers for several small businesses.

This provides them with access to insurance prices that are more competitive than those available to small firms on their own.

  • Qualify for the QSEHRA.

This is a type of arrangement for small firms that provides compensation for qualified healthcare expenses incurred by employees. Employees are not permitted to make contributions through their paychecks, and the terms of the employer’s contribution to each worker’s QSEHRA must be consistent.

A small-group health plan for your employees is purchased through an insurance carrier that provides rates based on the state in which your firm is located and the number of full-time equivalent employees you have on staff.

What strategies can businesses use to keep their healthcare costs under control?

Unsurprisingly, many small businesses determine that they are unable to bear these expenses. However, merely eliminating health benefits will not solve the problem because it would result in an increase in staff turnover and associated expenses that will be considerably greater.

Many small businesses are discovering that (health reimbursement arrangement) HRAs are among the most cost-effective solutions to provide a high-quality health benefit while staying within their budgetary constraints.

Instead of paying premiums, an HRA allows an organization to provide employees with a monthly or yearly allowance that is within its financial capabilities.

Employers compensate employees for personal insurance premiums and qualified out-of-pocket medical bills up to the amount of the maximum allowance, which is not subject to tax.

Because the employer controls the price of health benefits, employees often have a greater selection of insurance plans from which to choose, enabling them to purchase the plan that is most beneficial to them and boosting their satisfaction with the health benefits program.

The best part is that, unlike group health insurance plans that take hours of administration each month, HRA administration software such as PeopleKeep allows the plan to be handled in minutes per month, saving time and money.

FAQs about Small business health insurance costs

  • Who Qualifies for Small Business Health Insurance?

While state regulations vary slightly, firms with less than 50 employees are generally allowed to acquire group health insurance coverage.

  • How Do I Get Small Business Health Insurance?
  1. Purchase through a representative
  2. Personally file a claim to an insurance provider.
  3. Purchase via a purchasing partnership
  • How Does the Tax Credit for Small Businesses Work?

The tax credit is intended to assist small firms in providing health benefits to employees. You may receive a credit equal to up to 50% of the premiums paid. There are a few prerequisites to being able to participate:

  1. Employ fewer than 25 people
  2. Pay a minimum salary of less than $54,000
  3. At least 50% of employees’ premiums must be paid, and all full-time employees must have qualifying coverage.
  • Takeaway on Small business health insurance costs

Group health insurance premiums can be extremely expensive for small businesses, not to mention the time and resources required to administer the program.

Given this, it’s simple to understand why health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) are becoming a popular option, as they allow companies to provide a far more flexible medical benefit while also keeping expenses under control.

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