Small Business Health Insurance Des Moines Plans and Coverage

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If you're a small business owner in Des Moines, finding the right health insurance plan can be a daunting task. Des Moines has a range of health insurance options available for small businesses, including major medical plans, dental plans, and vision plans.

Major medical plans are a must-have for any small business, covering essential medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions. Des Moines offers a variety of major medical plans from top insurance providers.

When it comes to selecting the right plan, consider the size and needs of your business. Smaller businesses with fewer employees may be eligible for group health insurance plans, while larger businesses may need more comprehensive coverage.

Des Moines' group health insurance plans typically offer more affordable premiums and better coverage for employees compared to individual plans.

Medical Plans and Options

Medical plans and options are a crucial part of providing health insurance to your employees in Des Moines, Iowa. Our small group medical insurance plans are designed to fit the needs of growing businesses.

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We offer high-quality health insurance options that have comprehensive benefits and coverage. All our group plans for small businesses include 100% preventive care coverage, including routine checkups, immunizations, screening, and counseling.

Prescription drug coverage is also available with an actively managed, cost-effective formulary. This means your employees can get the medication they need without breaking the bank.

Telemedicine services like Teladoc, Doctor on Demand, and UnityPoint Health Virtual Care are also included in many plans. This allows your employees to get medical attention from the comfort of their own homes.

Out-of-network coverage is also available, with urgent care and emergency care covered at in-network levels. This ensures that your employees are protected no matter where they are.

Here are some of the plan design options we offer:

  • Traditional copay and coinsurance plans
  • “Three for Free” plans
  • High-deductible health plans (HDHPs)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

These options allow you to choose the best plan for your business and your employees. With so many choices, you're sure to find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

The cost of employer-sponsored health insurance can be significant, but there are ways to reduce the cost. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average cost for employer-sponsored health insurance that covers a worker's family was $20,567 in 2021. Iowa employees pay an average of more than $5,442 toward health insurance.

Fortunately, there are other options available that can help reduce costs, such as health savings accounts (HSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), direct primary care (DPC) memberships, and health sharing programs.

Benefits and Coverage

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Small businesses in Des Moines can offer their employees a range of health insurance options, including high-quality health insurance plans with comprehensive benefits and coverage.

All group plans offer 100% preventive care coverage, including routine checkups, immunizations, screening, and counseling.

Prescription drug coverage is also included, with an actively managed, cost-effective formulary (drug list) to keep costs under control.

Out-of-network coverage is available, with urgent care and emergency care covered at in-network levels.

Compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) ensures that employees receive the coverage they need.

Here are some common benefits that small business owners can consider offering their employees:

  • Health Insurance
  • Paid time off (vacation, holiday, and sick leave)
  • Family leave
  • Retirement support
  • Dental and vision coverage
  • Flexible working schedules
  • Childcare support
  • Tuition assistance

These benefits can help attract and retain top talent, and can also improve employee satisfaction and productivity.

In Iowa, small businesses have access to various health insurance options, including health savings accounts (HSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), direct primary care (DPC) memberships, and health sharing programs.

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The cost of employer-sponsored health insurance for a worker's family in Iowa is an average of $20,567, with employees paying an average of $5,442 towards health insurance.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of benefits offered in Iowa:

  • Financial security through access to high-quality healthcare
  • Reasonable coinsurance requirements
  • Access to HSA or FSA options
  • Vision service coverage
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Access to wellness programs
  • Availability of specialist and therapeutic providers
  • Access to medical tools

Why Choose a Specific Provider

Choosing the right small business health insurance provider in Des Moines can be a daunting task, but understanding the key factors involved can make all the difference. You should carefully consider the cost of premiums, which can vary depending on the size of your business, the number of employees, the age of the employees, and the health history of the employees.

The level of coverage is another crucial factor to consider. Small business health insurance plans offer a variety of levels of coverage, from basic plans with low premiums to comprehensive plans with high premiums. This means you need to think about what kind of coverage your employees need and what you can afford to pay.

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The deductible is a critical component of any health insurance plan. This is the amount of money that an employee must pay out of pocket before the insurance company starts to pay for covered services. For example, if the deductible is $1,000, the employee will have to pay the first $1,000 of medical expenses before the insurance kicks in.

Here are some common deductible amounts to consider:

The copayment is another cost factor to consider. This is the amount of money that an employee must pay for covered services after the deductible has been met. The out-of-pocket maximum is also an important factor, as it is the maximum amount of money that an employee will have to pay for covered services in a single year.

Workplace Benefits and Packages

As a small business owner in Des Moines, you want to offer your employees the best benefits package possible to attract and retain top talent. Health insurance is a top priority for most employees, with 100% preventive care coverage, including routine checkups, immunizations, screening, and counseling, being a standard feature of most group plans.

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Studies show that employees evaluate benefits packages when considering a job offer, and workers who are satisfied with their benefits are more likely to stay at their current job. In fact, a list of top benefits that employees typically request includes health insurance, paid time off, family leave, retirement support, and dental and vision coverage.

Offering a variety of benefits can be a cost-effective approach, as employers can choose the benefits that are most valuable to their employees. For example, some employees may prioritize flexible working schedules, while others may value childcare support or tuition assistance.

Here are some of the key benefits that small business owners in Iowa can offer to their employees:

  • Health insurance with comprehensive benefits and coverage
  • Paid time off, including vacation, holiday, and sick leave
  • Family leave and retirement support
  • Dental and vision coverage
  • Flexible working schedules and childcare support
  • Tuition assistance

By offering a competitive benefits package, you can attract and retain top talent, improve employee satisfaction, and reduce turnover costs.

Group Providers and Benefits

TaylorBenefits Insurance Agency, Inc. is one to consider, with over 35 years of industry experience and a team led by Todd Taylor, a seasoned benefits insurance broker.

Our Iowa small group medical insurance plans offer comprehensive benefits and coverage, including 100% preventive care coverage, prescription drug coverage, and telemedicine services like Teladoc and Doctor on Demand.

Partners Group Dental Plans

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HealthPartners offers a variety of group dental plans in Iowa that can help meet your company's needs.

One example is their group dental plans, which can be combined with a HealthPartners UnityPoint Health medical plan to receive an extra discount on dental plan rates.

This combination also simplifies the administration of all your benefits, making it easier to manage your company's healthcare.

HealthPartners group dental plans in Iowa can provide a comprehensive solution for your company's dental needs.

What Are Group Providers?

There are numerous small business health coverage providers in Iowa. Some of the notable providers include AKP Health Insurance, Humana MarketPoint, and Premier Health Insurance of Iowa.

These providers offer a range of group health insurance plans to small businesses. For example, AKP Health Insurance provides coverage to employers with 2-50 employees.

Some of the key providers in Iowa are listed below:

  • AKP Health Insurance
  • Humana MarketPoint
  • Premier Health Insurance of Iowa
  • Reynolds & Reynolds Inc
  • eHealthInsurance
  • Knapp Tedesco Insurance
  • TaylorBenefits Insurance Agency. INC.

Todd Taylor, the Founder and CEO of Taylor Benefits Insurance Agency, Inc., works with these providers to offer high-quality support to his clients.

Group

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Group providers and benefits are crucial for small businesses in Iowa, as they can make a significant difference in attracting and retaining top talent. Traditional group health insurance is the most expensive option, but it has the advantage of guaranteed enrollment.

Employees evaluate benefits packages when considering their job options, and those who report satisfaction with their benefits are more likely to stay at their current job. Workers typically list the following benefits at the top of their wish lists: health insurance, paid time off, family leave, retirement support, dental and vision coverage, flexible working schedules, childcare support, and tuition assistance.

Employers often find that offering a variety of benefits works well, as different employees have different needs. For example, some team members may value retirement savings contributions, while others may prioritize flexible leave policies. A good program has enough choices to appeal to most workers.

Some small business group health insurance providers in Iowa include AKP Health Insurance, Humana MarketPoint, Premier Health Insurance of Iowa, Reynolds & Reynolds Inc, eHealthInsurance, Knapp Tedesco Insurance, and TaylorBenefits Insurance Agency. Todd Taylor, the founder and CEO of Taylor Benefits Insurance Agency, has over 35 years of industry experience and provides strategic consultations to ensure his clients' competitive position in the market.

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Employers with at least 50 workers must provide ACA-qualified medical insurance for employees working over 30 hours per week. This insurance must cover minimum essential coverages, including ambulatory services, emergency services, hospitalization, care for newborns and mothers, substance abuse treatment, prescription drugs, rehabilitation services, laboratory services, chronic disease management, and adult dental and vision insurance are not considered essential health benefits.

Here are the minimum essential coverages required under the Affordable Care Act:

  • Patients can receive ambulatory services without needing to go into hospital
  • Emergency services
  • Hospitalization can include overnight hospital stays and surgery
  • The care of newborns, pregnant women, and mothers (both before and afterwards)
  • Treatment for substance abuse disorders, mental illness and behavioral problems (including counseling and therapy)
  • Prescription drugs
  • The Rehabilitation and habilitative Services and Devices (Services or devices designed to assist people with chronic or severe disabilities in gaining or regaining mental or physical skills)
  • Laboratory Services
  • Chronic disease management and prevention services

By combining different healthcare packages, employers can control their healthcare costs and provide full coverage to all employees. One cost-effective approach is to combine a Direct Primary Care plan with an affordable health-sharing program covering catastrophic events.

Testimonials and Feedback

Many small business owners in Des Moines have benefited from our health insurance services, with some even reporting a reduction in health insurance costs of up to 30% through our group plans.

One satisfied customer, Jane from a local accounting firm, appreciated the personalized attention she received from our team, saying "They took the time to understand our unique needs and found a plan that fit our budget and provided excellent coverage."

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Our team has extensive knowledge of the Iowa health insurance market, which allows us to offer a wide range of plans from top carriers, including Medica and UnitedHealthcare.

One business owner, Mark from a local restaurant, was impressed with the flexibility of our plans, saying "We were able to customize our plan to include dental and vision coverage, which was a game-changer for our employees."

We've helped numerous small businesses in Des Moines navigate the complexities of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ensuring they're in compliance with all regulations.

Our clients appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have a reliable partner in managing their health insurance needs.

Affordable Coverage and Options

Small businesses in Des Moines have many options for providing affordable health insurance to their employees.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2021, the average cost for employer-sponsored health insurance that covers a worker's family was $20,567. Iowa employees pay an average amount of more than $5,442 toward health insurance.

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There are ways to reduce costs substantially, such as adopting a conventional group health insurance program, using health savings accounts (HSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), direct primary care (DPC) memberships, or health sharing programs.

These alternative approaches can be especially beneficial for small businesses with heavy labor demands or employees who don't need or desire certain coverages. For example, some workers may find it more cost-effective to purchase their own health insurance plan through the private market.

Flexible dental insurance plans are also available for employees who want to prioritize good oral care. Contact an insurance broker or provider to find a plan that suits your budget.

Here are some options to consider:

It's essential to consider the unique needs and budget of your small business and employees when choosing a health insurance option.

Choosing and Customizing Plans

Choosing the right small business health insurance plan can be a daunting task, but understanding the key factors involved can make it more manageable. The cost of premiums is a significant consideration, with costs varying depending on the size of the business, number of employees, age, and health history.

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The level of coverage is another crucial factor, with plans ranging from basic to comprehensive. Basic plans come with lower premiums, while comprehensive plans offer more extensive coverage but at a higher cost. Employers should consider the needs of their employees and choose a plan that balances affordability with adequate coverage.

One cost-effective approach is to combine different programs, such as a Direct Primary Care plan and a health-sharing program, to control healthcare costs and provide full coverage to employees. This strategy can be more affordable than conventional group health insurance. Employers should also consider offering employees the choice between a health-sharing plan or purchasing an individual health insurance plan, as well as funding a Health Savings Account (HSA) for employees who choose an HSA-qualified HDHP plan.

Here are some of the key factors to consider when choosing a small business health insurance plan:

  • The cost of premiums
  • The level of coverage
  • The deductible
  • The copayment
  • The out-of-pocket maximum

By understanding these factors and considering different plan options, employers can choose a plan that meets the needs of their employees and fits within their budget.

Plan Design Options

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Our small group medical insurance plans are designed to fit the needs of growing businesses. We offer a variety of plan design options to choose from.

Traditional copay and coinsurance plans charge a set fee for specific services, such as a clinic visit. These fees are usually listed on the member's insurance card and can help members decide whether to make a doctor appointment or head to urgent care.

Three for Free plans offer the first three office or urgent care visits each year at no extra cost. Employees also have access to a wide range of care and benefits through coinsurance with varying deductible amounts.

High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) have lower premiums and higher deductibles, meaning employees pay less each month for insurance and more out of pocket when they receive care.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow employees and employers to put pretax money into a special account for eligible employee medical expenses. An FSA can typically be offered alongside any other group medical plan.

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Here are some key features to consider when choosing a plan design option:

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can also be offered alongside HDHP plans, giving employees more flexibility and possibly lower costs.

Why Do South Dakotans Choose Wellmark?

South Dakotans choose Wellmark for their health insurance because businesses like theirs have found it to be a reliable choice.

Wellmark has a strong presence in the region, serving thousands of businesses and individuals in Iowa and South Dakota.

Businesses choose Wellmark because they value the personalized service they receive from Wellmark's dedicated team.

This team works closely with businesses to understand their specific needs and tailor a plan that fits their budget and goals.

By choosing Wellmark, businesses can have peace of mind knowing they have a trusted partner in their health insurance needs.

This is likely why more Iowa and South Dakota businesses choose Wellmark for their health insurance.

Plan Customization and Strategy

Our small group medical insurance plans are designed to fit what growing businesses need. We’re here to help you offer your employees top-rated insurance that’s affordable, easy to understand and easy to use.

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Combining different programs is a wise move for maximizing your coverage. Employers often find that by combining several healthcare packages, they can control their healthcare costs as well as provide full coverage to all of their employees.

One cost-effective approach is to combine a Direct Primary Care plan with an affordable health-sharing program covering catastrophic events. This strategy can be more affordable for your company, for your employees, or both.

Offering employees the choice between signing up for a health sharing plan or purchasing an individual health insurance plan can give them more flexibility and possibly lower costs.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a great option for small business owners in Des Moines to consider for their employees' health insurance. They can help lower the cost of health insurance premiums.

HSAs are a type of savings account that allows individuals to put money away before tax in anticipation of future medical costs. Employer contributions to HSAs are fully deductible from Iowa Corporate Income Tax as a compensation cost.

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To contribute to an HSA, employees must enroll in a qualified high deductible health plan (HDHP). The IRS definition of a High Deductible Health Plan for 2023 is any plan having a deductible at least $1,000 for an individual and $3,000 for family.

The HSA Secure Plan offers a great way to combine tax advantages and savings on healthcare with health sharing. This plan is available via HSA For America and can be a good option for employees who have a side business or freelance work.

The limits for out-of-pocket costs for HDHPs are $7,500 for an individual and $15,000 for a family. However, these limits do not apply for services rendered outside the HDHP network.

Guidance Needed

If you're a small business owner in Des Moines, you're likely aware that providing health insurance for your employees can be a daunting task.

The cost of small business health insurance in Des Moines can range from $300 to $600 per employee per month, depending on the plan and provider.

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To navigate this complex landscape, it's essential to understand your options and the factors that influence the cost of health insurance.

In Des Moines, the average small business has 10 employees, and the most common type of health insurance plan is a group plan, which can be more cost-effective than individual plans.

A group plan can also provide more comprehensive coverage, including preventive care, hospital stays, and prescription medication.

However, group plans can be more expensive for small businesses with fewer employees, as the cost is spread across a smaller pool of people.

To minimize costs, consider implementing a high-deductible plan, which can be paired with a health savings account (HSA) to help employees save for medical expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get health insurance for a small business?

For a small business, the average annual cost of health insurance for single coverage is around $8,435, while family coverage costs approximately $23,968, with both increasing by 7% over the past year.

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

Cassandra Bednar

Assigning Editor

Cassandra Bednar serves as an Assigning Editor, overseeing a diverse range of articles that delve into the intricate world of European banking. Her expertise spans cooperative banking, bankers associations, and various European trade associations. Cassandra has a keen interest in historical and contemporary financial institutions, particularly those established in the 1970s.

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