Small Business Health Insurance Kansas: Get a Quote and Compare

As a small business owner in Kansas, you're likely aware of the importance of providing health insurance to your employees. In Kansas, small businesses with 2-50 employees are eligible for the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), which offers a range of health insurance plans.

Kansas has a relatively high percentage of small businesses offering health insurance to their employees, with 54% of businesses with 3-9 employees offering coverage. However, the cost of health insurance can be a significant burden for small businesses.

To get the best value for your business, it's essential to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers. In Kansas, you can get a quote for small business health insurance through the SHOP marketplace, which is open from November to December each year.

To get started with a quote for your small business in Kansas, simply complete a quick form. A UnitedHealthcare representative will get in touch and work with you to help find group health insurance options that best fit your business.

You can view plans or request a quote for your small business, and in markets where the Small Business Store is available, you'll be directed there. In markets where it's not available, you can request a quote from UnitedHealthcare.

To get started, simply complete a quick form to get a quote for your small business with 2-50 employees. This will put you in touch with a UnitedHealthcare representative who can help you find group health insurance options that fit your business.

You can view plans or request a quote online by clicking on your state below. This will direct you to either the Small Business Store, if it's available in your market, or a quote request form from UnitedHealthcare.

As you start to get quotes for health insurance, you'll want to consider the costs involved. Employers must cover at least 50% of their employee's health insurance costs to qualify for the small business healthcare tax credit.

Many small businesses choose to pay a larger share of the costs as part of their workplace incentive program. The average small business covers roughly 70% of its workers' health insurance premium costs, according to a 2020 survey.

As a small business owner in Kansas, you have three main options when it comes to health insurance: offering traditional group health insurance, a defined contribution health plan, or nothing at all. These options can be overwhelming, but understanding the basics can help you make an informed decision.

You can choose from individual health insurance or group health insurance, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Offering traditional small business health insurance coverage is one option, while another is offering a defined contribution health plan that reimburses employees for individual health insurance coverage.

Here are your three core small business health insurance options:

If you're looking for a customizable plan, Humana is a great option. They offer a variety of plan options, including HMOs and PPOs, and provide coverage in 44 states.

You have three core small business health insurance options to consider: Traditional Small Business Health Insurance Coverage, a Defined Contribution Health Plan, and offering nothing.

Traditional Small Business Health Insurance Coverage is a classic option that provides group health insurance to your employees.

A Defined Contribution Health Plan reimburses employees for individual health insurance coverage, giving them more flexibility and control over their healthcare choices.

Some insurance providers, like Humana, offer a range of plan options, including HMOs and PPOs, allowing you to customize your plan with popular add-ons like dental, vision, and hearing insurance.

Humana's prices tend to be slightly higher than the competition, but they offer a high level of quality coverage and flexibility.

Blue KC's portfolio for employer groups with 51-99 employees offers a mix of PPO and EPO plan designs on their broader Preferred-Care Blue network and competitively priced BlueSelect Plus network.

Here are some key features to consider when evaluating insurance products:

Blue KC's suite of health insurance products based on the defined contribution model is open to all area small businesses, regardless of Chamber membership.

Ultimately, the best insurance product for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Blue Cross Blue Shield is a top choice for customer service, covering over 106 million Americans and accepted by over 95% of physicians and 96% of hospitals.

BCBS operates in all 50 states and some international locations, offering workplace wellness plans in many locations and highly rated by small businesses.

Its comprehensive healthcare offerings and expansive coverage network earned BCBS a spot on our list.

Some plans vary by location, which can be a consideration for business owners looking for a consistent offering.

Higher than average healthcare premiums and some plans with high deductibles are drawbacks to consider.

Here are some key benefits of choosing BCBS:

And here are some potential drawbacks to consider:

Reform can be a challenging and uncertain process, especially for small business owners. The business environment is uncertain, and employer-sponsored health insurance costs increase annually.

Employers must examine the specifics of healthcare reform and start thinking strategically, rather than emotionally. New fees and penalties take effect next year, and most employers don’t fully understand how this will affect their financials.

It's essential for employers to educate themselves and plan ahead to avoid severe financial impacts. Change is hard, but embracing it can lead to cost savings for both the company and employees.

Here are some key aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to consider:

Choosing a plan for your small business in Kansas requires careful consideration of several factors. You'll want to balance price, coverage, and out-of-network flexibility to find the health insurance that best fits the needs of your business and employees.

To start, you should know that there are three core small business health insurance options to evaluate: offering traditional small business health insurance coverage, a defined contribution health plan that reimburses employees for individual health insurance coverage, or offering nothing.

Here are the three options in more detail:

When selecting a small business health insurance plan in Kansas, it's essential to understand the different types of plans available.

Most companies offer five benefit tiers: bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and catastrophic. Bronze plans are the least expensive while offering fewer benefits, and platinum plans are the most expensive while offering the highest level of coverage.

Individuals under the age of thirty can purchase a catastrophic plan, which provides bronze-level coverage with lower monthly premiums in exchange for very high deductibles.

There are four main types of health insurance plans: HMO, EPO, PPO, and POS.

HMOs require individuals to select a primary care physician (PCP) for their general needs. PCPs act as gatekeepers by issuing referrals to in-network specialists for more complex health problems.

EPOs won't cover out-of-network services except in certain emergency situations, but they don't require members to see a PCP.

PPOs are more flexible than HMOs, allowing members to choose between in- and out-of-network providers, although you can expect to pay more for out-of-network services.

POS plans lie somewhere between an HMO and a PPO, requiring members to select a PCP who will take responsibility for issuing referrals to specialists.

Here are the four types of health insurance plans in a concise table:

By understanding these different types of plans, you can make an informed decision that suits your business needs.

In Kansas, small business health insurance plans can be tailored to fit your company's specific needs.

The average cost of health insurance for a small business in Kansas is around $400 per employee per month.

You can choose from a range of plan options, including catastrophic plans, bronze, silver, gold, and platinum plans, each with varying levels of coverage and premiums.

Each plan type has a specific maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit, with catastrophic plans having the highest MOOP at $7,050 and platinum plans having the lowest at $2,800.

Aetna has made a name for itself in the healthcare industry by emphasizing preventative care options. This approach is reflected in its Value-Based Care philosophy, which incentivizes plan participants to engage in healthy lifestyle choices like exercising and maintaining a proper diet.

One of the standout features of Aetna's plans is their friendly user experience, with online, in-app, and over-the-phone service available. This makes it easy to get the help you need when you need it.

Aetna's plans are also known for being affordable, with prices that are often lower than those of other providers. This is especially important for individuals and families who are on a budget.

Here are some key benefits of Aetna's plans:

It's worth noting that Aetna has received some complaints in the past, with a complaint index of 1.94 according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. This means it has received roughly twice as many complaints as the average insurance company over the same period.

Benefit design plays a crucial role in determining the quality of healthcare services available to employees.

Employers typically pay the lion's share of their employees' health insurance premiums, which can lead to workers accessing healthcare services for non-essential reasons.

Good benefit design can incentivize users to access essential services while discouraging wasteful service usage.

Benefit design involves rules that govern the coverage, provider, and service options made available to the insured, including cost-sharing measures like copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.

These cost-sharing measures can significantly impact how employees use their health insurance benefits.

Understanding the terms associated with health insurance plans can be overwhelming, but it's essential to make informed decisions for you and your employees. You'll need to pay a premium each month to maintain your health insurance.

The premium is the amount you pay to the health insurance company each month, and it's a crucial factor in choosing a plan. Employers who pay 50% or more of the total cost of their employees' premiums may qualify for the small business healthcare tax credit.

A copayment, or "co-pay", is the specific dollar amount you may be required to pay up front for a specific type of service. For example, a $20 co-pay for a doctor's visit.

Your annual deductible is the amount you may be required to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company will begin paying for your covered medical claims. Lower premiums result in reduced coverage and higher deductibles for employees.

Coinsurance is the amount that you are obliged to pay for covered medical services after you’ve satisfied any copayment or deductible required by your health insurance plan. This can be a percentage of the total cost of the service.

Your maximum out-of-pocket (OOP) cost sets a limit to your annual financial liability. This is an essential factor to consider when choosing a plan, as it can help you budget for healthcare expenses.

Here are the key health insurance terms you need to understand:

Deductibles and copays can be confusing, but understanding them is key to making the most of your health insurance plan.

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in, and it can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. This means that if your medical bill is $3,000, you'll pay the deductible amount before your insurance covers the rest.

Lower deductibles mean higher monthly premiums, while higher deductibles mean lower monthly premiums. If you don't anticipate using your plan much, a higher deductible might be a good option for you.

Deductibles help keep healthcare premiums down by reducing the insurer's payment share of financial responsibility. This can also discourage plan members from seeking care for minor health concerns.

Copays, on the other hand, are flat fees paid by the patient upon accessing certain types of medical care. They can range from tens to hundreds of dollars and are typically charged for routine actions like seeing your primary care physician or getting a prescription filled.

Here's a summary of deductibles and copays:

Defined Contribution Plans allow employers to offer health benefits without a traditional group health insurance plan, allocating tax-deductible monthly allowances for employees to spend on private health insurance and medical expenses tax-free.

Employee Choice is a key feature of Defined Contribution Plans, allowing employees to choose a health insurance plan that fits their needs. This flexibility is a major advantage for employees who have different health care requirements.

Fixed monthly allowances control health care costs for employers, who can save money by using Defined Contribution Plans instead of traditional group health plans. Employers typically save money with Defined Contribution Plans, which benefits both the employer and employee.

Savings are a significant benefit of Defined Contribution Plans, with employers often paying less than they would with a traditional group health plan. This cost savings can be substantial, making Defined Contribution Plans an attractive option for employers and employees alike.

Here are the key features of Defined Contribution Plans: