
If you're a small business owner in California, finding the right health insurance can be a daunting task. There are numerous options to consider, and navigating the system can be overwhelming.
California has a unique health insurance market, with a range of plans available through the state's insurance exchange, Covered California. These plans are designed to provide affordable coverage to small businesses and their employees.
Some of the most popular health insurance options for small businesses in California include HMOs, PPOs, and EPOs. Each type of plan has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice will depend on the specific needs of your business.
As a small business owner, it's essential to work with a knowledgeable broker who can guide you through the process and help you find the best plan for your company.
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Choosing a Broker
Partner with a CaliforniaChoice health insurance broker who knows the local market and can recommend options based on your needs.
A California broker can help you customize a health care solution for you and your employees at a price that fits your budget.
You can choose from top brokers across the state, including Los Angeles, Orange County, the Central Coast, the Inland Empire, and San Diego.
An insurance broker acts as an intermediary between you and an insurer, finding a policy that best suits your needs for a reasonable price.
Unlike an insurance agent, a broker works independently and represents you, not the company they present policies from.
Using an insurance broker doesn't cost you anything, as they're compensated based on a percentage of the policy premium paid by the insurance company or health insurance exchange.
You don't need to use a broker, but it's beneficial to have one who knows your market and the plans and providers you're considering, saving you time and money.
Understanding Health Insurance Plans
Small business owners in California have a wide range of health insurance plans to choose from, including PPO, HMO, POS, and high deductible plans. These plans can be tailored to meet the unique needs of employees, and can be offered with a variety of network options.
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Employees differ in their wants and needs for health insurance, and offering a range of plans can help meet their individual needs. In fact, small employers can offer up to 20 different plans to their employees, while controlling the cost to the employer.
Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating a health plan: benefits, price, and providers. By focusing on these three factors, small business owners can simplify the process of comparing different plans and find the best fit for their employees.
There are many benefits to using a small group health insurance broker, including access to a wide range of plans and expert guidance on navigating the complex world of health insurance. In California, using a broker is at no additional cost to the employer, and can help ensure that employees are covered with the right plan.
For more insights, see: 5 Essential Reasons Why Your Business Needs Insurance
Plan Comparison
We've taken the guesswork out of comparing carrier plans, and you can access our user-friendly documents to make informed decisions. Our 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 Plan Comparisons for Small Group are available in Excel format.
These documents list the major carriers' plans in California and sort them by similar plan design and benefits. This makes it easier to compare plans and find the best fit for your employees.
By using our plan comparison tools, you can save time and effort in evaluating different plans. Our documents are designed to be easy to use and understand, even for those who may not be familiar with health insurance plans.
You can access these documents to get started on comparing plans today.
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Medical and Pharmacy Coverage
Our small business medical insurance plans feature integrated pharmacy coverage that works seamlessly with medical care. This means physicians and medical professionals can deliver the right care, in the right setting, at the right time.
All of our plans include in-network preventive care coverage at 100% in compliance with the Affordable Care Act. This ensures your employees get necessary care without added expenses.
Our pharmacy benefits manager, CarelonRx, is custom-built to provide efficient and effective care. This helps streamline the process and makes it easier for your employees to get the care they need.
We offer a variety of small business health plans, including PPO, HMO, POS, and high deductible plans. This gives you a choice of networks to suit your business needs.
Our small business health insurance plans are designed to address physical, behavioral, and social factors to deliver comprehensive care. This means your employees get tailored care that meets their unique needs.
Five Key Points on ACA (Obama Care)
The Affordable Care Act, or ACA, has made significant changes to the way small group health insurance plans are offered in California. Starting in 2014, rates for small group health insurance are based on the exact age of an employee and the age of each dependent spouse and child.
This means that previously, rates were determined based on age ranges, but now, every individual's age is taken into account when calculating the premium. This change aims to make health insurance more equitable and fair.
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Prior to 2014, pre-existing medical conditions were also a factor in determining rates, but the ACA eliminated this consideration. In California, this means that rates can no longer vary by more than 10 percent from the standard rate.
The ACA also introduced standardized benefits and "metallic levels" to compare plan benefits. Plans are sorted into four categories: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, based on their actuarial value.
Here's a brief breakdown of the metallic levels:
The ACA forbids plans that cover less than 60 percent of medical expenses, so Bronze plans are the minimum coverage required.
Quick Overview of ACA
The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama Care, has had a significant impact on the way small businesses purchase health insurance in California.
In California, the ACA guidelines govern small group health insurance plans. This includes rules that affect the cost and coverage of these plans.
The ACA has helped make health insurance more affordable for small businesses and their employees. However, it's essential to understand the rules that apply to small group health insurance plans in California to get the most out of your coverage.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Insurance companies use doctor and hospital provider networks to reduce the cost of health plans.
Employer and Employee Considerations
As a small business owner, you want to make sure you're offering your employees the best possible health insurance benefits without breaking the bank. One of the biggest challenges is navigating the complex rules and regulations surrounding group health insurance in California.
To qualify as a "small business employer", you'll need to meet certain criteria, which can be found in the "California Small Group Rules" document. This will help you determine if you're eligible for small group health insurance in California.
When selecting a plan, it's essential to consider the benefits, price, and providers. A small group health insurance broker can help simplify this process by focusing on these three factors. They can also help you communicate benefit information to your employees and ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating a health plan:
By considering these factors and working with a small group health insurance broker, you can find a plan that meets the needs of your employees while also helping to meet your company's bottom line.
Group Plans Tailored
Group plans tailored to small businesses can be a game-changer for employers and employees alike. By addressing physical, behavioral, and social factors, these plans deliver comprehensive care tailored to employees' unique needs.
Our small business portfolio includes a variety of PPO, HMO, POS, and high-deductible health plans, along with a wide choice of networks. This means employers can choose a plan that best fits their employees' needs.
Partnering with a broker or agent can also help streamline the process. They can assist with plan selection, compliance with federal and state laws, and even help with employee communication and enrollment.
Here are some benefits of working with a small group health insurance broker:
- No additional cost to the employer
- Assistance with compliance and paperwork
- Help with employee communication and enrollment
- Access to a wider range of plans and networks
By choosing the right group plan, employers can attract and retain top talent, while also providing their employees with the care they need to thrive.
What Employees Want from ESPP
Employees want to feel secure in their financial futures, and ESPPs can help. Small employers can share the cost of medical insurance with employees, making it more affordable for them to receive the care they need.

Employees want to have a sense of control over their finances, and ESPPs can provide them with that. This is especially true for small employers who can share the cost of medical insurance with employees.
Having a steady income can help employees feel more secure, and ESPPs can provide that.
Employer Portion of Pay
Many employers pay the entire cost of group insurance for their employees. Some businesses make their employees pay part of their premiums. Employers are not required to pay the entire cost of group insurance. This means employees may need to contribute to their premiums. The Affordable Care Act offers tax credits to businesses to offset the cost of group insurance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does health insurance cost for a small business in California?
California small businesses can expect to pay an average of $8,083 for single coverage and $22,818 for family coverage in 2024, with a 9.6% premium increase announced by Covered California
Is it cheaper to get health insurance through a broker?
No, a broker's commission is typically built into the plan's cost, so you won't save money by using one. However, a broker can help you find a plan that fits your needs, which may be worth the added cost
Can small business owner write off health insurance?
Small business owners may be eligible to deduct health insurance premiums for themselves and their dependents. Check if you qualify for this tax deduction
Do small businesses have to offer health insurance in California?
No, small businesses in California with fewer than 50 full-time and/or full-time equivalent employees are not required to offer health insurance. However, they may still want to consider offering coverage to attract and retain top talent.
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