The Best Health Insurance for Small Business in 2024

So far, 2024 has ushered in a myriad of options for health insurance tailored to the needs of small business owners. As the dynamics of the workplace continue to evolve, so do the health insurance offerings, ensuring that both employees and employers have the best possible options available.

Small Business Group Health Insurance for Beginners

When discussing health insurance for small business owners, many people think of Small Business Group Health Insurance. This insurance lets multiple individuals, usually company employees, join and buy insurance as one group. This often results in cost savings and added benefits.

If you want to offer health insurance as a small business, consider this route. The first step is to set up health insurance for your small business. While it might seem intimidating, many brokers and digital platforms make the process straightforward. Remember, knowing how health insurance works for small businesses is crucial to making an informed choice.

Related: Finding the best small business health insurance 

For a detailed look, check out our Ultimate Guide to Small Business Health Insurance 

Health Insurance for Small Businesses Is Important. Here's Why.

Health insurance is not just a perk – it's a vital tool to ensure the well-being and productivity of your team. When employees know that their health is a priority, they are more likely to be engaged, satisfied, and loyal to the company. It also directly answers the query of how can small businesses afford health insurance – by retaining top talent, reducing absenteeism, and boosting morale.

How Much Does Losing an Employee Actually Cost You?

While there are direct costs associated with hiring and training new staff, the hidden costs can be even more detrimental. Lost productivity, overworking of remaining staff, and lowered morale can greatly affect your business's bottom line. When you consider the potential to retain employees by offering health insurance benefits, the question shifts from how to choose health insurance for small business to can I afford not to?

Am I Required To Provide Small Business Health Insurance for My Employees?

While requirements can vary based on the region and the size of your business, many places have regulations that stipulate health coverage for employees, especially if your workforce exceeds a certain number. This brings us to an important sub-point.

How to calculate full-time equivalent (FTE) employees?

Calculating FTE is crucial when determining your obligations for providing health insurance. To calculate:

1. Count Hours: Tally the total hours worked by part-time employees in a week.
2. Divide: Divide the total by 30 (the number of hours that typically constitutes a full-time job).
3. Result: The result is the number of FTEs. This number combined with your full-time staff count will give you the total number of employees for health insurance considerations.

Remember, staying informed and proactive is key to making the best decisions for your business and employees. Health insurance can be an invaluable asset in retaining, attracting, and taking care of your team.

Related: Health insurance for small businesses with one employee

How Much Does Health Insurance for Small Businesses Cost?

The cost of health insurance for small businesses can vary greatly based on several factors, including the size of the company, the type of plan chosen, and the geographic location. On average, annual premiums in 2023 for single coverage can range from $5,000 to $7,000 and family coverage can range from $14,000 to $20,000. It's always wise to shop around and get multiple quotes, ensuring you’re getting the best value for your budget.

Your Options for Health Insurance for Small Business

There are several options available for small businesses when it comes to health insurance. Here’s what you need to know when looking for the best options for small business health insurance. First, know your types: 

1. Traditional Group Health Insurance
2. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
3. Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)
4. Point of Service (POS) Plans
5. Health Savings Account (HSA) Compatible Plans
6. Self-Funded Health Plans

Group Health Insurance for Small Business

Navigating healthcare options is often challenging for small businesses. Group health insurance stands out as a streamlined solution, offering standardized benefits to teams. By investing in such plans, companies not only attract top talent but also boost the morale and well-being of current employees. Dive in to explore the essentials and advantages of group health insurance for the small business landscape.

What is small business group health insurance?

Small business group health insurance is a single policy issued to a group of people or employees that provides coverage for medical expenses. These policies are generally uniform, offering the same benefits to all employees or members of the group.

The SHOP Marketplace

The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace is a service available in many areas where businesses can compare and purchase health insurance plans. Eligibility often requires businesses to have between 1 and 50 employees.

How small business group health insurance works

Employees are typically given a choice of different health plans. Once an option is chosen, the employer then pays a portion of the premium on behalf of the employee, with the employee covering the remainder, often through payroll deductions.

Do group health insurance plans include dental and vision?

Some group health insurance plans include dental and vision coverage, while others do not. These can be offered as stand-alone plans or as optional add-ons. It’s essential to review the details of each plan.

What is the process for applying for group health insurance?

1. Research: Understand the needs of your employees.
2. Get Quotes: Request quotes from various providers.
3. Choose a Plan: Decide on the best plan for your business.
4. Enroll: Complete the necessary paperwork and enroll your employees.
5. Maintain: Regularly review and renew the policy as needed.

How much do employers pay for health insurance?

On average, employers cover about 70-85% of the premium cost for their employees, though this can vary based on the business's financial situation and the plan's details.

Where to buy group health insurance for small business

Options include:

1. Directly from insurance companies
2. Through an insurance broker or agent
3. The SHOP Marketplace
4. Professional employer organizations (PEOs)

Questions to ask when buying group health insurance in 2023

1. What is the total premium and what percentage will the business cover?
2. What network of healthcare providers is available?
3. Are there any wellness programs or incentives?
4. How flexible are the plans in terms of coverage options?
5. What's the policy regarding pre-existing conditions?

Benefits of small business group health insurance

1. Cost Savings: Buying as a group often reduces individual premiums.
2. Tax Benefits: Premiums are typically tax-deductible.
3. Employee Retention: It’s a valued benefit that can retain and attract talent.
4. Healthier Employees: Coverage can lead to healthier, more productive employees.

Why small business health insurance isn't the best insurance for small business

While group health insurance offers many advantages, it isn't always the perfect fit for every small business. Some reasons include:

• Cost: It can be more expensive than individual plans.
• Complexity: Managing and maintaining plans can be time-consuming.
• Lack of Customization: Not every plan may cater to the unique needs of every employee.

Business owners need to weigh the pros and cons, ensuring they choose the right health insurance path for both their business and their employees.

Popular Options for Small Business Group Health Insurance 

When it comes to group health insurance, there are several options that small businesses often consider:

1. Traditional Group Health Insurance: Typically, these plans have a broader network and are the most comprehensive, but they tend to be more expensive.
2. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): These plans offer services through a network of providers that contract exclusively with the HMO. They are usually more affordable but have less flexibility in choosing healthcare providers.
3. Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs): With PPOs, members pay less if they use providers from a designated list, offering a balance between cost and flexibility.
4. Point of Service (POS) Plans: Combines features of HMO and PPO, where members pay less if they use network providers and need a referral to see a specialist.
5. Self-Funded Health Plans: Rather than buying insurance, companies fund their insurance plans, benefiting from saved premiums but taking on more risk.
6. Health Savings Account (HSA) Compatible Plans: Tax-advantaged accounts paired with high-deductible plans. They allow for saving money tax-free for medical expenses.

Self-Funded Plans

What is a self-funded plan?

A self-funded (or self-insured) plan is where employers directly fund their health benefits, rather than purchasing a traditional insurance plan. Instead of paying fixed premiums to an insurance company, employers pay for medical claims out of a fund.

How a self-funded plan works

Employers set aside a pool of funds to cover anticipated healthcare expenses. When claims are made, the employer pays them from this fund. To mitigate potential high-cost years, many employers purchase stop-loss insurance, which covers claims that exceed a certain amount.

Where to buy a self-funded plan

Self-funded plans are often set up with the assistance of third-party administrators (TPAs) or through consultation with insurance brokers who have expertise in self-funding.

Benefits of a self-funded plan

1. Cost Savings: By not paying premiums, companies may save money, especially if claims are lower than anticipated.
2. Flexibility: Employers can customize their plans to meet the unique needs of their workforce.
3. Cash Flow: Employers retain funds until claims are paid, possibly earning interest.
4. Tax Advantages: Self-funded plans might be exempt from certain state insurance taxes.

Where self-funded plans fall short

1. Financial Risk: Employers take on the risk of high claim years, which can strain finances.
2. Complexity: These plans can be complex to set up and manage.
3. Legal and Compliance Challenges: Self-funded plans might face different regulatory requirements.

What is stop-loss insurance?

Stop loss insurance is a policy that protects employers with self-funded plans from exceedingly high claims. If total claims in a given year exceed a predetermined threshold, the stop loss insurance will cover the excess, shielding the company from potentially devastating costs. This insurance type can be critical for companies to manage the financial risks associated with self-funded health plans.

Popular Options for Self-Funded Health Insurance 

Self-funded health insurance plans, despite their potential complexities, are a favorite for many businesses due to their cost-saving potential. Here are a few popular options:

1. Administrative Services Only (ASO) Plans: Often used by large companies, ASO plans involve an insurance company administering the plan (handling claims, etc.) but the company covers the actual health costs.
2. Third-Party Administrators (TPAs): Smaller businesses sometimes turn to TPAs to manage their self-funded plans. TPAs handle everything from claims processing to legal compliance.
3. Integrated Model: This model involves partnering with a single entity that takes on multiple roles, including insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, and TPA.
4. Reference-Based Pricing: Instead of relying on a traditional provider network, this plan pays providers based on a percentage of Medicare prices or another external reference point.
5. Consortium Self-Funding: Multiple small employers pool their risks together, effectively gaining the benefits of self-funding without taking on as much individual risk.

Reimburse for Health Insurance with an HRA

What is an HRA?

An HRA, or Health Reimbursement Arrangement, is an employer-funded account that reimburses employees for out-of-pocket medical expenses and individual health insurance premiums. Unlike a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), HRAs are fully funded by the employer, and no salary deduction is taken from the employees.

How an HRA works

1. Employer Contributions: Employers determine the amount they wish to contribute. There's no minimum requirement, but there are maximum limits.
2. Employee Medical Expenses: Employees pay for their health expenses upfront.
3. Reimbursement: After submitting their receipts or proof of medical expenses, employees get reimbursed tax-free from the funds allocated in the HRA.

HRAs that Work Best for Health Insurance for Small Businesses

1. Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSEHRAs): Tailored for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. QSEHRAs allow employers to reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums.
2. Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA): This offers more flexibility in terms of funding and allows businesses of any size to reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums.

How to Set Up an HRA

1. Determine Contribution Limits: Decide how much you'll contribute to employees' HRAs annually.
2. Communicate with Employees: Make sure employees understand how the HRA works.
3. Set Up Reimbursement Procedures: Establish a system for employees to submit medical expenses.
4. Stay Compliant: Regularly review regulations to ensure that your HRA meets legal requirements.

Benefits of Reimbursing for Health Insurance

1. Cost Control: Employers can predict and control their healthcare expenses.
2. Flexibility: HRAs allow employees to choose the health care services and providers that suit them.
3. Tax Advantages: Reimbursements are generally tax-free for both employers and employees.
4. Employee Satisfaction: Employees appreciate the freedom to choose and the additional health support.

Using an HRA can be a strategic method for small businesses to provide health benefits without the constraints or costs of traditional health insurance plans.

{Talk to a small business HRA administrator today}

Popular Options for HRAs 

1. Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSEHRAs): Ideal for businesses with fewer than 50 employees, allowing for reimbursement of individual health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses.
2. Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA): Suitable for businesses of any size, this offers greater flexibility in terms of funding and the types of medical expenses that can be reimbursed.
3. Retiree HRA: Designed specifically for retired employees, these plans help cover the cost of medical expenses during retirement.
4. Excepted Benefit HRA: This can be offered alongside traditional group health plans and covers limited benefits such as dental and vision insurance.

How Can Take Command Help with Health Reimbursement Arrangements?

Take Command offers tailored solutions for small businesses looking to leverage HRAs. Here's how they can assist:

1. Guidance and Setup: Take Command offers expert guidance on setting up and maintaining HRAs, ensuring they're compliant with regulations.
2. Employee Education: They provide resources and support to help employees understand and make the most of their HRAs.
3. Automated Management: From claim submissions to reimbursements, Take Command streamlines the process through its intuitive platform.
4. Reporting: Get real-time insights on HRA utilization, helping businesses make informed decisions about future healthcare offerings.

{Talk to a small business HRA administrator today}

What's the Best Insurance for Small Businesses?

The best insurance depends on the unique needs of the business and its employees. Factors such as budget, size of the business, and the kind of coverage desired can influence this decision. You need a strategy to find the best insurance for small business. Here’s what you need to know. 

How to Choose the Right Small Business Health Insurance Plan

Assess Your Needs
Before diving into options, evaluate the health needs of your workforce. Are there common medical issues? Do they prefer wider networks or lower premiums?

Eligibility
Ensure that the insurance plan you're considering aligns with the size of your business and the demographics of your employees.

Coverage
Understand the coverage details. Consider aspects like preventative care, specialty services, prescription coverage, and out-of-pocket costs.

Tax Credits
Check if your business qualifies for any small business healthcare tax credits, which can offset costs.

Compare Types of Small Business Health Insurance Plans
It's crucial to understand the differences and advantages of plans like PPOs, HMOs, POS plans, and HSAs. Each has its pros and cons in terms of flexibility, cost, and network restrictions.

How to Reduce Your Health Insurance Costs

1. Increase Deductibles: While this can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs, it can reduce monthly premiums.
2. Offer HSAs: These tax-advantaged accounts can help offset high deductibles.
3. Group Plans: Sometimes buying as a group can lead to discounted rates.
4. Wellness Programs: Encouraging a healthy workforce can lead to lower premiums over time.
   
   
   

Financial Pros and Cons of Fully-Funded Plans

Pros:

1. Predictable Costs: Businesses pay a fixed premium each month.
2. Easy Management: The insurance company manages claims and administrative tasks.
3. Risk Distribution: Risks are spread out among all policyholders.

Cons:

1. Higher Premiums: Often more expensive than self-funded plans.
2. Less Flexibility: Coverage and network are set by the insurer.
3. Surplus Premiums: If claims are lower than anticipated, the insurer keeps the difference, unlike in a self-funded plan where the employer would benefit.

By carefully assessing their needs, understanding their options, and leveraging resources like Take Command, small businesses can find the right health insurance solution that offers both value and comprehensive care.

{Talk to a small business HRA administrator today} 

Frequently Asked Questions about Small Business Health Insurance

How much can I afford to spend on a health insurance plan?

The amount you can afford depends on your business's financial health and priorities. It's wise to establish a budget, considering both immediate expenses and potential future costs. Consulting with a financial advisor or accountant can provide clearer insights tailored to your business.

Should I bundle vision and dental care?

Bundling vision and dental care can provide added value to employees and can sometimes come at a discounted rate. However, assess the needs of your workforce. If many of your employees need vision or dental care, bundling can be a cost-effective decision.

What help can a licensed agent provide?

A licensed insurance agent can:

1. Provide Expertise: They understand the complexities of health insurance, including laws, terms, and benefits.
2. Tailored Recommendations: They can suggest plans that best fit the needs and budget of your business.
3. Assistance with Claims: Should any disputes arise, they can provide guidance and support.
4. Renewal and Updates: Agents can help renew policies or make changes as your business evolves.

What is a provider network in healthcare?

A provider network is a list of healthcare providers, like doctors, specialists, and hospitals, that have contracted with a health insurance company to provide services at agreed-upon rates. It's crucial to understand a plan's network as out-of-network care often costs more.

What are the benefits of offering an ICHRA to employees?

ICHRA, or Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement, has several benefits:

1. Flexibility: Employers can set allowances based on employee categories.
2. Budget Control: Employers determine the reimbursement amount.
3. Employee Choice: Employees can choose the insurance that best fits their needs.
4. Tax Benefits: Reimbursements are generally tax-free for employers and employees.

Are small businesses required to provide health insurance for employees?

Small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees aren't mandated by the ACA (Affordable Care Act) to provide health insurance. However, businesses that do offer health insurance may qualify for tax credits.

Does my business qualify for a health insurance tax credit?

If you have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, pay average annual wages below a certain amount, and contribute at least 50% of your full-time employees' premium costs, you may qualify for a small business health care tax credit. The exact requirements and amounts can vary, so it's important to check with a tax professional or the IRS.