Group Health Insurance & Employee Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I control my costs?

  Offer a group health insurance plan to your employees. We recommend you first determine what you can afford. This is called defined contribution. It may be in the form of a set dollar amount or a percentage. Contact us to learn more about defined contributions.

• Will I find less expensive rates elsewhere?

  No. Rates are filed with the state and locked in each year. So no matter where you shop, the prices are the same. There are no discounts on health insurance plans. 

• What documentation is required from me (the employer) to set up a group health plan?

  Three documents: Quarterly Wage and Contribution form (UI-3/40), copy of voided check (first month's premium used to "bind" coverage), and a census with all employees information. 

• Am I obligated to offer health insurance to part time employees?

  No. Employees who exceed more than 30 hours a week are considered full time and are the only employees who are eligible for benefits.  Part Time employees are not eligible for the company plan. If they don’t work more than 30 hours per week, they are not eligible. 

• What is the minimum number of employees I need to set up a group health plan?

  Two— as long as they are not family members and show up on your payroll.

• Why can't I just give my employees money to shop the individual health exchange?

  Under ACA regulations, offering employees money to shop the individual exchange is not allowed.  Plus, it's more expensive and more time consuming.  However, you can apply the same approach on a towards a group health plan for small business owners.

• As an employee, what's the advantage of going with a health insurance plan offered by my employer?

  When you buy a group health insurance plan from your employer there are several benefits: Such as access to better coverage options to get access to doctors you prefer through the large PPO network.  Also, employer contributions to your health insurance premium will lower your total cost.  Plus, you get the ability to pay your monthly premium with tax-free dollars. Keep in mind none of these options are available in the individual marketplace. In fact, options in the individual marketplace are extremely limited. We strongly advise getting on a group health insurance plan for employees.