New Hampshire Small Business Health Insurance and Employee Benefits

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Breathtaking autumn landscape of Franconia Notch, New Hampshire with vibrant foliage and mountain views.
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New Hampshire small businesses can offer health insurance to their employees through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). This program allows businesses with 50 or fewer employees to purchase health insurance coverage.

SHOP offers a variety of health insurance plans from different insurance companies, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Hampshire and Anthem Insurance Companies. Employees can choose from a range of plans, including catastrophic plans and plans with lower premiums.

In New Hampshire, small businesses with 25 or fewer employees are eligible for the Small Business Health Insurance Premium Subsidy Program. This program provides a subsidy to help offset the cost of health insurance premiums.

Benefits and Options

New Hampshire small businesses have several options to consider when it comes to health insurance. One of the most cost-effective options is to adopt a standard group health insurance program, which can cost around $24,297 per year for a plan covering both a worker's family and a worker.

Credit: youtube.com, Employee Benefit Plans in New Hampshire | Group Health Insurance for Small Businesses

You can also consider alternative options such as Health Savings Accounts, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, Direct Primary Care Memberships, and Health Sharing Programs to reduce costs. The right strategy for your business depends on factors such as business size, budget, employee age, and medical requirements.

Here are some key benefits and options to consider:

  • Group insurance is cost-effective, with a $24,297 per year cost for a plan covering both a worker's family and a worker.
  • Employees typically contribute an extra $30 on average to cover their insurance costs.
  • Options like Health Savings Accounts, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, Direct Primary Care Memberships, and Health Sharing Programs can help reduce costs.

Benefits

Offering group health insurance coverage is a cost-effective option for small businesses in New Hampshire, with prices varying by age but averaging around $24,297 per year for a family plan, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

New Hampshire employers can expect their employees to contribute an average of $30 extra to cover their insurance costs. This is on top of the employer's contribution, making group health insurance a valuable benefit for employees.

One of the main advantages of group insurance is that it allows businesses to pool their employees together, securing better rates for health insurance coverage compared to individual plans. This helps companies save money while still providing valuable benefits to their employees.

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Small businesses in New Hampshire have a range of options to choose from to reduce their costs, including Health Savings Accounts, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, Direct Primary Care Memberships, and Health Sharing Programs. These options can be tailored to fit the specific needs and budgets of a business.

Here are some options to consider:

  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Health Reimbursement Arrangements
  • Direct Primary Care Memberships
  • Health Sharing Programs

The right strategy for small businesses is determined by a variety of factors, including the size of the business, available budgets, age of workers and their dependents, and medical and health requirements.

HRA Advantages

One of the advantages of Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) is that your employees are not taxed on the amount you spent for HRA benefits.

HRAs are not paid to the workers until you give them control, allowing the money to be used as operating capital. The money does not have to be held by a third-party.

The HRA benefit can be designed by employers in a way that suits their needs, including what costs you’re willing to cover.

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With a QSEHRA, you have the flexibility to decide how much money will be allocated for HRA benefits, and this budget can change every year depending on your company's cash flow.

Here are some benefits of HRAs:

  • Employees are not taxed on the amount spent for HRA benefits.
  • HRAs can be designed to include the costs you’re willing to cover.
  • QSEHRAs allow you to decide how much money will be allocated for HRA benefits.

In addition, HRAs support employee choice, giving workers and their family a wider range of choices and allowing them to choose the best health care plan for themselves.

Finding Affordable Options

You can find affordable health insurance in New Hampshire by taking advantage of income-based subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. These subsidies can lower your premium payments each month, with nearly three-quarters of New Hampshire Marketplace enrollees receiving them.

The state's reinsurance program also keeps full-price premiums lower than they would otherwise be. If your household income isn't more than 250% of the federal poverty level, you may also be eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSR), which can reduce your deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

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New Hampshire has expanded Medicaid eligibility, making adults under age 65 eligible for Medicaid with household incomes up to 138% of the poverty level. This can be a great option for those who are eligible.

The Health Insurance Marketplace offers a variety of plans to pick from, including Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans. Plans in each category pay different amounts of the total costs of your healthcare, with Bronze plans paying 40% of the cost, Silver plans paying 30%, and Gold plans paying 20%.

Here are the main types of plans available:

  • Bronze: 40% employer contribution
  • Silver: 30% employer contribution
  • Gold: 20% employer contribution

The right plan for you will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. It's a good idea to evaluate your options carefully and consider factors such as your age, health, and income.

New Hampshire small businesses also have options such as Health Savings Accounts, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, Direct Primary Care Memberships, and Health Sharing Programs to help reduce costs.

Employer Considerations

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You'll want to carefully evaluate the best plan for your business, considering factors like employee needs and budget.

In New Hampshire, health insurance can be costly, especially for industries with a large labor force. This can be a significant burden for small businesses.

To save thousands per employee, switching to health insurance might be a good option. However, health sharing might not be the best choice if you have employees with pre-existing illnesses.

Some employers may find it more cost-effective to offer health sharing plans, especially for healthy workers without pre-existing medical conditions. This can be a good solution for small businesses with limited resources.

Here are some options to consider:

  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Benefits and wellness plans
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Group 401K retirement programs
  • Pension plans
  • Health savings
  • Life insurance
  • Long term care
  • Section 125 cafeteria packages
  • Affordable Care Act (ACA)
  • Large group healthcare option

Employer: Its Disadvantages

The cost of traditional health care can be especially high for industries with a large labor force, where costs per employee are higher than revenue.

High administrative costs are a burden for very small companies who don't have enough employees to support a full-time HR team to manage the plan.

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Group health insurance programs are often a one-size-fits-all strategy, which may not adequately meet the budgets and needs of individual employees.

This inflexibility can lead employees to find it more cost-effective to purchase their own health insurance plan through the private market, taking advantage of subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.

Administrative costs involve managing documents and compliance, auditing the plans to ensure employees are not enrolling non-qualified individuals, and answering questions from staff.

Business owners may use strategies like Health Reimbursement Arrangements or health care stipends to encourage employees to take out their own policies through Affordable Care, reducing administrative and overhead expenses.

Some workers may find a less expensive plan, such as health sharing, to be a better option, especially for healthy workers without pre-existing medical conditions.

Cost of Employment

The cost of employment can be a significant burden for businesses.

You can expect to pay around $3240 per employee per year for healthcare, which is roughly three times less than the average cost in the United States.

Switching to health insurance can save you thousands per employee.

Health sharing might not be the best option if there are employees with pre-existing illnesses, so it's essential to consider this factor when evaluating your options.

What Employers Can Offer

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As an employer in New Hampshire, you have a range of benefits to offer your employees, from health insurance to retirement savings plans.

Most workplaces in New Hampshire cover prescription medication, doctor's appointments, and surgeries through their healthcare packages.

Health insurance plans can be customized to fit each client's needs, offering a range of services including medical, dental, vision, and more.

You can provide both health insurance and health sharing plans side-by-side, allowing employees to choose which one best suits their requirements.

New Hampshire doesn't require paid time off, but many employers include some to motivate and reward their workforce.

A retirement savings package can be a great way to enhance morale and deepen worker satisfaction.

Here's a quick rundown of the four most common types of New Hampshire healthcare plans:

Employers in New Hampshire can also offer a range of other benefits, including dental and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and group 401K retirement programs.

By offering a competitive benefits package, you can attract and retain top talent while also enjoying tax advantages, including deductions for premiums paid and potential savings through pre-tax contributions.

What Constitutes a Large?

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A large group for health insurance in New Hampshire typically consists of 51 or more employees. This threshold can greatly impact the types of coverage options and rates available to businesses.

In New Hampshire, larger groups often have access to more comprehensive coverage options compared to smaller businesses. These options can provide better protection for employees and their families.

Understanding the definition of a large group can help businesses make informed decisions when selecting insurance plans. It's essential to consider this factor when evaluating insurance options.

Larger groups in New Hampshire can negotiate competitive rates with insurance providers, which can lead to significant cost savings. This can be a major advantage for businesses looking to provide quality health insurance to their employees.

Plan Types and Coverage

If you're a small business owner in New Hampshire, you're likely looking for the best health insurance plan for your employees. There are four main types of plans to consider: PPO, HMO, HSA-Qualified, and Indemnity.

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Each plan type has its own unique features and benefits. For example, PPO plans offer more flexibility and choice, while HMO plans often have lower premiums but more restrictions on healthcare providers.

Here are the four main types of New Hampshire small business health insurance plans:

  • PPO Health Insurance Plans: Offer more flexibility and choice
  • HMO Health Insurance Plans: Often have lower premiums but more restrictions on healthcare providers
  • HSA-Qualified Health Insurance Plans: Allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses
  • Indemnity Health Insurance Plans: Pay a fixed amount for each medical service

Ultimately, the best plan for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget. Be sure to consider all the costs, including monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays, when making your decision.

Most Common Plan Types

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans are a popular option for group health insurance. They offer more flexibility with out-of-network coverage and don't require referrals.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans are another common choice. They require members to choose a primary care physician and obtain referrals for specialists, but often have lower premiums.

Group health insurance is the most commonly used type of insurance for group plans, providing coverage for a group of people, typically offered by employers to their employees. It helps spread the risk and lowers costs compared to individual plans.

Here are the four types of New Hampshire small business health insurance plans:

  1. PPO Health Insurance Plans
  2. HMO Health Insurance Plans
  3. HSA-Qualified Health Insurance Plans
  4. Indemnity Health Insurance Plans

Dental Coverage

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Dental insurance can be a smart addition to your health coverage, helping you improve your smile.

Some states offer more comprehensive dental coverage options than others, such as New Hampshire.

Dental coverage options in New Hampshire are worth exploring if you live there.

Insurance Marketplace and Regulations

In New Hampshire, four private insurers offer coverage through the Marketplace for 2025, including WellSense, which is new for 2025.

The state operates in the federal exchange, which regulates the cost of insurance plans to individuals and groups.

If your workplace has 50 full-time staff members or fewer, New Hampshire's Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) can offer your health care benefits that comply with federal health care protection standards.

Here are some key points to consider when choosing small business health insurance:

  • The federal exchange is a marketplace that regulates the cost of insurance plans.
  • New Hampshire's SHOP program offers health care benefits to small businesses.
  • Four private insurers offer Marketplace coverage in New Hampshire for 2025.

Marketplace Buyers

If you're looking to buy health insurance through the Marketplace in New Hampshire, you'll need to meet certain requirements. You must live in New Hampshire, be lawfully present in the United States, not be incarcerated, and not be enrolled in Medicare.

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To qualify for subsidies in the Marketplace, you'll also need to meet additional parameters. You can't have access to affordable health coverage through an employer, unless it's too expensive, in which case you might qualify for premium subsidies. You also can't be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, premium-free Medicare Part A, or be claimed as a tax dependent by someone else.

Four private insurers offer coverage through the New Hampshire Marketplace for 2025, including WellSense, which is new for 2025. The average rate changes for 2025 have been approved, with Celtic Insurance Company decreasing by 6.22%, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of NE increasing by 11.19%, Matthew Thornton Health Plan (Anthem BCBS) increasing by 11.91%, and WellSense being new for 2025.

Here's a breakdown of the insurers offering Marketplace coverage in New Hampshire for 2025:

If you're a small business owner in New Hampshire, you might be wondering what the best health insurance plan is for your business. Some popular options include Taylor Benefits Insurance, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and Cigna.

Reform

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Reform is a crucial aspect of the Insurance Marketplace and Regulations. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has brought about significant changes in the way health insurance is offered and purchased.

In New Hampshire, the federal exchange regulates the cost of insurance plans to individuals and groups. This means that businesses can apply for federal assistance to lower their financial obligations.

The ACA has introduced new fees and penalties that employers need to be aware of. These changes can have a significant impact on a business's financials, making it essential for employers to educate themselves and plan ahead.

To avoid severe financial impacts, employers can consider offering a "Business Expense Account" for Healthcare. This allows employees to purchase their own health insurance policy in a state health insurance exchange.

Small businesses with 50 full-time staff members or fewer can take advantage of New Hampshire's Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). This program offers health care benefits that comply with federal health care protection standards.

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Here are the key aspects of ACA to consider when choosing small business health insurance:

  1. The business environment is uncertain.
  2. Employer-sponsored health insurance costs increase annually.
  3. New fees and penalties take effect next year.

Employers can also use a Healthcare Reimbursement Plan (HRP) to give select employees monthly allowances to spend on their own health insurance policy. This can help businesses avoid the complexities of health insurance and save money in the long term.

Insurance Plans and Strategies

Employers can reduce costs by bundling different healthcare plans while still providing full coverage to employees.

Combining a Direct Primary Care Plan with a low-cost health sharing program that includes catastrophic events is a cost-effective strategy.

Employees can have more options and lower costs by choosing between a Health Sharing Plan or an Individual Health Insurance plan.

PBMs, such as those mentioned, are business owners themselves and understand the needs of entrepreneurs.

Group health insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage at lower costs compared to individual plans.

Employees, along with their dependents, are typically covered under a group health insurance plan, with employers also extending coverage to retirees or part-time workers.

HRA Alternative

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A QSEHRA, or Qualified Small Employee Health Reimbursement Agreement, can help your employees purchase individual health coverage on a tax-free level. This is a great alternative to traditional group insurance plans that often limit options and are overpriced.

QSEHRAs allow you, as an employer, to decide how much money will be allocated for HRA benefits, giving you control over your health benefit budget. This budget can change every year, depending on your company's cash flow.

Unlike cash, employees who receive QSEHRAs will not pay any tax as long as they have a plan with the minimum coverages required by the Affordable Care Act. This is a big advantage over simply providing a health care stipend to employees.

QSEHRAs give workers and their family a much wider range of choices and allow them to choose the best health care plan for themselves. This is a big departure from traditional group insurance plans that are often chosen by HR and management, not the workers.

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Business owners can set the maximum QSEHRA amount they wish to contribute, as long as it is within certain parameters. In New Hampshire, employers are allowed to make contributions up until 2023 of up $5,850 (up $487.50 each month for an individual employee) and up $11,800 (up $983.33 monthly for employees who have a family).

With a QSEHRA, employees can use their money to pay for insurance themselves via an Health Insurance Exchange site, or via a Benefits Manager. This way, employees can keep their subsidy eligibility.

PPO vs HMO

PPOs offer more flexibility with out-of-network coverage and don't require referrals. This means you can see any doctor you want, without needing a referral from a primary care physician.

In contrast, HMOs require members to choose a primary care physician and obtain referrals for specialists. This can be a good option if you want to have a personal doctor who can coordinate your care.

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If you expect a lot of doctor visits or need regular prescriptions, a low deductible Silver or Gold plan might be a better choice. These plans generally have higher monthly premiums but pay more of your costs when you need care.

The main difference between a PPO and an HMO lies in their networks. HMOs require you to stay within their network, while PPOs offer more flexibility.

In New Hampshire health insurance, small groups typically consist of 1-50 employees, while large groups have 51 or more employees. Premium rates, plan options, and regulations may vary based on group size.

Combine Plan Strategies

Combining different programs is a smart move to maximize your coverage. Employers can reduce costs by bundling various healthcare plans while providing full coverage to employees.

Employers can combine a Direct Primary Care Plan (DPC) with a low-cost health sharing program to achieve cost savings. This strategy is more cost-effective for both businesses and employees.

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Employees can choose between a Health Sharing Plan or an Individual Health Insurance plan, which may also include the option to fund a Health Savings Account for HDHP plans that qualify for HSAs.

Our PBMs are business owners themselves and have a deep understanding of your requirements as an entrepreneur. They include many successful entrepreneurs who have a deep understanding of your needs.

You can reduce costs by allowing employees to choose between a Health Sharing Plan or an Individual Health Insurance plan. This gives them more options and lower costs.

Indemnity

Indemnity plans give you the freedom to choose your own healthcare providers and pay a percentage of the total charges.

You'll typically need to pay for some services upfront and then seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier.

Indemnity plans are available in various forms, including COBRA, which offers coverage for 18-36 months after a qualifying event, andIndividual Plans, which require medical underwriting and may offer alternative options like AHIP or PCIP if you're denied coverage.

New Hampshire's individual market had average monthly premiums of $*** (the article doesn't provide a specific number) per person in 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is small business health insurance per month?

For small business health insurance, the average monthly cost is around $703 for single coverage and $1,997 for family coverage. These costs are based on 2023 averages and may vary depending on your specific business needs.

Can a small business write off health insurance?

Yes, a small business can write off health insurance premiums, but the deduction is limited to the business's earned income. Learn how to claim this deduction and maximize your tax savings.

James Hoeger-Bergnaum

Senior Assigning Editor

James Hoeger-Bergnaum is an experienced Assigning Editor with a proven track record of delivering high-quality content. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, James has curated articles that captivate and inform readers. His expertise spans a wide range of subjects, including in-depth explorations of the New York financial landscape.

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