How to Pick the Best Small Business Health Insurance
Why Should I Get Small Business Health Insurance?
There are many advantages to small business health insurance offers. First of all, it’s a legal requirement if you have more than 50 employees. If you don’t offer health coverage, you’ll face a fine, so it’s important to look at the options. Naturally, you want a cheap option but consider your employees too.
Not many business owners know this, but getting health coverage for their employees makes them eligible for tax credits. However, you’re only suitable if you have 25 or fewer employees. There are many other incentives of small business health insurance, including more tax credits and money off premiums.
Benefits for Employees
Getting health insurance for your employees offers them the chance to remain fit and well, which is essential for work. Many individuals cannot afford proper health insurance, so they’re happy when an employer offers them some form of coverage. It’s a no brainer, really. Employees who feel valued by their employer work harder.
If you’re worried about the costs, there are plenty of payment options available. Feel like being the coolest boss in the world? You can cover all the premium payments. However, there are options to split the premium costs with your employees, meaning everyone saves money.
Budgeting for Small Business Health Insurance
The cost of your insurance depends on how many employees you’re covering, and how comprehensive the coverage is now. You can choose how much of the premium you’re willing to cover, and many businesses use this option. For example, if you can afford 80% of each employee’s cover, they’ll pay the extra 20%. This is ideal for both yourself and the employees, but there are plenty of other percentage options available.
It’s important to do proper research when looking for your insurance provider. There might be policies that are more suitable for your industry, so don’t rush into anything. Take your time and weigh up the pros and cons. You should also consider how much your employees can afford, and which premiums are essential for them.
How to Find Insurance
Some insurance companies prefer to work through brokers, but if you contact them directly, you might get some great deals. Going straight to the source and cutting out the broker means you’ll save more money, so don’t be afraid to go to the company. There are many review sites such as Consumer Affairs, which list the best small business health insurance, providers.
The governments' health insurance exchange (SHOP) could also be beneficial for you. Not only do they have helpful information about individual’s states requirements, but they also offer up to 50% tax credits. There are loads of insurance policies available, and using the SHOP could save you time and money.
Should I Get a Broker?
So many individuals ask this question, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Yes, brokers have their advantages, but they also have disadvantages. If time is an issue, then a broker does all the leg work and will find you the best insurance policy for your business. They also have contact with many providers and could get you a discount on premiums.
However, brokers cost money, and sometimes they charge a lot for something you could do yourself. If you’re willing to spend time researching and reaching out to companies directly, then you’ll save more money. Choosing the wrong policy without the advice of a broker could impact your business.
Finding small business health insurance can be time-consuming, but the benefits outweigh the initial task.