
Missouri small businesses have access to a range of group health insurance options. Missouri law requires employers with 2-50 employees to offer health insurance, but there are exemptions for certain industries and employers.
Group health insurance plans in Missouri can be customized to fit the needs of your business. This includes choosing from a variety of plan types, such as HMO, PPO, and EPO plans.
Missouri small businesses can also take advantage of tax benefits from offering group health insurance. Employers can deduct the cost of premiums from their taxable income, reducing their tax liability.
Most group health insurance plans in Missouri cover essential health benefits, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medication. Some plans may also offer additional benefits, such as dental and vision coverage.
Core Options
Missouri small businesses have three core options to consider when evaluating their health insurance needs. You can offer Traditional Small Business Health Insurance Coverage, which is a common choice.
Traditional small business health insurance coverage is available, and it's worth comparing its costs and benefits to the other options. Missouri Health Insurance Monthly Cost is a factor to consider when making this decision.
Here are the three core options:
- Offering Traditional Small Business Health Insurance Coverage
- Offering a Defined Contribution Health Plan that Reimburses Employees for Individual Health Insurance Coverage
- Offering Nothing
Offering nothing is also an option, but it's essential to weigh the potential consequences of not providing health insurance to your employees.
HMO Plans
HMO plans offer a wide range of health care services through a network of providers that contract exclusively with the HMO.
Employees participating in HMO plans will typically need to select a primary care physician to provide most of their health care.
You'll often need to get a referral from your primary care physician to see a specialist within the HMO network.
HMO plans can be a cost-effective option for those who regularly visit their primary care physician and don't require frequent specialist care.
You'll need to choose a primary care physician within the HMO network to receive most of your health care services.
Get Necessary Coverage
In Missouri, you have three core small business health insurance options to consider.
Missouri has specific requirements for small business health insurance, which can impact your decision.
If you choose to offer traditional small business health insurance coverage, you'll need to compare costs and benefits with other options.
The monthly cost of health insurance in Missouri varies depending on the option you choose.
Here are the three core options to consider:
- Traditional Small Business Health Insurance Coverage
- Defined Contribution Health Plan that Reimburses Employees for Individual Health Insurance Coverage
- Offering Nothing
By understanding these core options, you can make an informed decision that meets your business needs and provides necessary coverage for your employees.
Group Health Insurance
PPO Health Insurance Plans are the most common, requiring employees to get medical care from doctors or hospitals on the insurance company's list of preferred providers for claims to be paid at the highest level.
The cost of employer-sponsored health coverage is rising nationally, with annual family premiums climbing an average of seven percent this year.
The Chamber Benefit Plan uses a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) model to help small businesses in Missouri reduce their health insurance costs.
This innovative health insurance model has provided real savings for small businesses in Missouri, with 80% of plan participants saying it reduced their company's health insurance costs by at least 10 percent.
Group Plans
Group health insurance plans are a type of employer-sponsored health coverage where costs are shared between the employer and the employee, and coverage may be extended to dependents.
You can qualify for group health insurance plans even if you're self-employed, as long as you don't have any other employees.
There are two main types of group health insurance plans: COBRA and HIPAA.
COBRA provides coverage for 18-36 months after a qualifying event, such as job loss or reduction in hours, and benefits are based on what you had with your previous employer.
HIPAA, on the other hand, provides coverage based on the program selected, and there is no expiration of coverage.
Guaranteed coverage is available under COBRA for employees who work for businesses with 20 or more employees, and employees have 60 days from the date of termination to sign up.
To qualify for HIPAA, you must have had 18 months of continuous coverage and completely exhausted COBRA or state continuation coverage, and you must not have lost coverage due to fraud or non-payment of premiums.
You have 63 days to enroll in HIPAA if you qualify.
Here are some key differences between COBRA and HIPAA:
New Partnership for Access
Starting on June 1, Missourians who participate in the Chamber Benefit Plan will be able to utilize a new benefit called a Health Payment Account (HPA). This innovative model is created by Paytient, a company that offers a platform for health payment accounts.
The Chamber Benefit Plan is helping Missouri small businesses keep health insurance costs in check by offering a more affordable option. This is especially important as the cost of employer-sponsored health coverage rises nationally.
With the new Health Payment Account, participants will have more control over their healthcare expenses. By setting aside funds for medical expenses, individuals can avoid unexpected costs and make more informed decisions about their care.
As a result of this partnership, thousands of Missourians will gain access to a Health Payment Account, providing them with a valuable resource for managing their healthcare costs.
Understanding Reform and Tax Credits
The business environment is uncertain, and employer-sponsored health insurance costs increase annually, making it essential for small businesses to educate themselves on the specifics of healthcare reform.
New fees and penalties take effect next year, and most employers don't fully understand how this will affect their financials. It's crucial to start thinking strategically vs. emotionally about the changes ahead.
Small businesses with up to 25 full-time equivalent employees may qualify for a tax credit for offering employee health benefits, with a credit worth up to 35% of health insurance costs in Phase 1 (2010-2013) and up to 50% in Phase 2 (2014 and beyond).
Here's a breakdown of the tax credit phases:
Reform
The business environment is uncertain, and employer-sponsored health insurance costs increase annually. This uncertainty can be overwhelming, especially with new fees and penalties taking effect next year.
Employers who educate themselves and plan ahead can avoid severe financial impacts. Change is hard, but it's essential to think strategically rather than emotionally.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a significant change that affects small businesses. To navigate this change, it's crucial to understand the key aspects of ACA.
A Healthcare Reimbursement Plan (HRP) is a new vehicle that allows employers to get out of the health insurance business. This plan gives select employees monthly allowances to spend on their own health insurance policy in a state health insurance exchange.
New fees and penalties take effect next year, and most employers don’t fully understand how this will affect their financials. Employers need to examine the specifics of healthcare reform and start thinking strategically.
Here are some key ACA components to consider when choosing small business health insurance:
Tax Credits
If you're a small business owner, you might be eligible for a tax credit to help offset the cost of offering employee health benefits. Small businesses with up to 25 full-time equivalent employees can qualify.
The tax credit is divided into two phases. Phase 1, which applies from 2010 to 2013, offers a tax credit worth up to 35% of a small business's health insurance costs.
You can use this tax credit to help make employee health benefits more affordable, which can be a huge relief for small business owners like me who wear many hats and need to be mindful of every expense.
Phase 2, which applies from 2014 and beyond, offers an even bigger tax credit, worth up to 50% of a small business's health insurance costs.
Evaluating and Choosing a Plan
There are four types of Missouri small business health insurance plans to consider: PPO, HMO, HSA-Qualified, and Indemnity plans. The best plan for you and your employees depends on what you and your employees want and how much you're willing to spend.
To evaluate your options, compare the costs and benefits of three core options: Offering Traditional Small Business Health Insurance Coverage, Offering a Defined Contribution Health Plan that Reimburses Employees for Individual Health Insurance Coverage, and Offering Nothing.
Consider the key factors involved in choosing a plan, including the cost of premiums, level of coverage, deductible, copayment, and out-of-pocket maximum. These factors will help you choose a plan that fits your needs and budget.
Four Plans

As you start evaluating and choosing a small business health insurance plan, it's essential to understand the different types of plans available. There are four main types of plans: PPO, HMO, HSA-Qualified, and Indemnity.
PPO plans offer flexibility in choosing healthcare providers and don't require referrals for specialist care. HMO plans, on the other hand, require you to choose a primary care physician and get referrals for specialist care.
HSA-Qualified plans allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars in a health savings account, which can be used to pay for medical expenses. Indemnity plans pay a percentage of medical expenses, regardless of the healthcare provider.
The plan type that's best for you and your employees depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider the cost of premiums, level of coverage, deductible, copayment, and out-of-pocket maximum when making your decision.
Here's a brief summary of the four plans:
Ultimately, the right plan for you will depend on your individual circumstances and priorities.
Find a Plan That's Right for You
PPO health insurance plans are the most common, and employees covered under a PPO plan need to get their medical care from doctors or hospitals on the insurance company's list of preferred providers to get claims paid at the highest level.
The cost of premiums can vary depending on the size of the business, the number of employees, the age of the employees, and the health history of the employees. This is just one factor to consider when choosing a small business health insurance plan.
To choose the best plan for your small business, you should carefully consider the cost of premiums, the level of coverage, the deductible, the copayment, and the out-of-pocket maximum. These factors will help you decide which plan is the best fit for your needs and budget.
You should immediately compare the costs and benefits of three core options: Offering Traditional Small Business Health Insurance Coverage, Offering a Defined Contribution Health Plan that Reimburses Employees for Individual Health Insurance Coverage, and Offering Nothing.
Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating these options:
The Chamber Benefit Plan is an innovative health insurance model that has helped Missouri small businesses keep health insurance costs in check. By joining a larger self-funded pool, small businesses can share in the overall claims risk and reduce their insurance costs.
Cost-Effective Options
Missouri small businesses have three core options to consider for their group health insurance: Traditional Small Business Health Insurance Coverage, Defined Contribution Health Plan, and offering nothing.
The costs and benefits of these options should be immediately compared to determine the best fit for your business.
Offering Traditional Small Business Health Insurance Coverage is a popular option, but it can be expensive.
A Defined Contribution Health Plan can be a cost-effective alternative, as it reimburses employees for individual health insurance coverage.
Offering nothing can be a viable option for some businesses, but it may not be the best choice for attracting and retaining top talent.
Here are the three core options in a concise comparison:
The Chamber Benefit Plan is a cost-effective option for Missouri small businesses, offering real savings and stable renewal expenses.
In a 2022 poll, 80% of plan participants said the Chamber Benefit Plan reduced their company's health insurance costs by at least 10 percent.
The plan is offered across Missouri to businesses with 2-50 eligible employees, and small employers can start by visiting mochamber.com/benefits.
Next Steps
Now that we've explored your options for small business group health insurance in Missouri, it's time to take a closer look at the next steps.
You have three core options to consider: offering traditional small business health insurance coverage, a defined contribution health plan, or offering nothing.
Offering traditional small business health insurance coverage is a common choice, but it may not be the most cost-effective option for your business.
You'll need to immediately compare the costs and benefits of each option to make an informed decision.
Here are the three options to evaluate:
- Traditional Small Business Health Insurance Coverage
- Defined Contribution Health Plan
- Offering Nothing
Each option has its pros and cons, and the right choice for your business will depend on your specific needs and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does group health insurance cost for a small business?
For a small business, group health insurance premiums typically range from $8,435 to $23,968 per year, depending on the number of employees and coverage level. Annual costs can be broken down into monthly payments of around $703 to $1,997 per employee.
What is the average cost of health insurance per month in Missouri?
The average cost of health insurance per month in Missouri is around $616 at full price, but can be as low as $61 after discounts. Many Missourians pay even less, with some marketplace plans costing under $10 per month.
Can a small business write off health insurance?
Yes, a small business can write off health insurance premiums as a business expense, but only up to the amount of earned income from the business. This deduction can also include premiums paid for employee health insurance.
Sources
- https://www.peoplekeep.com/resources/small-business-health-insurance-in-missouri
- https://www.nixonins.com/insurance-solutions/employee-benefits/group-health-insurance-plans/
- https://apollo-insurance.com/small-business-health-insurance-missouri/
- https://mochamber.com/news-archive/chamber-benefit-plan-news/chamber-benefit-plan-health-insurance-now-available-across-missouri/
- https://suntimesnews.com/2023/11/17/chamber-benefit-plan-helps-missouri-small-businesses-keep-health-insurance-costs-in-check/
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