Small businesses play an essential role in supporting local communities, offering valuable jobs and benefits to their employees. Despite this person-first approach, only 39% of businesses with 1 to 9 employees provide health insurance, and 56% of small businesses overall, often due to high costs or limited resources.

If you’re a small business owner looking for an affordable solution, private health insurance plans can offer the coverage you need. Explore how to get private health insurance for your small business, including key considerations and available plan options.

1. Understand Your Options for Small Business Health Insurance

You have several choices when looking for health insurance plans for your small business. Health insurance plans for small businesses vary widely, and it’s important to know the basics:

ACA Plans:

• Plans provided through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) marketplace.

• Available to businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees. 

• Great for businesses that qualify for the SHOP health insurance marketplace, offering coverage options with potential tax advantages. 

Group Plans:

• Health plans that allow you to cover all employees under a single policy, usually at lower group rates.

• Ideal for businesses with multiple employees, such as coffee shops or private practices, looking for consistent coverage under one plan.

Individual Plans:

• Health coverage where individuals can purchase their own insurance, suitable for small teams or businesses.

• Good for small businesses or contractors, like independent truck drivers, where single-payer coverage is needed.

2. Identify Key Considerations for Your Business

Before choosing health insurance for a small business, assess your needs and those of your employees. Here are some factors to consider:

• Budget. Review your monthly expenses and determine how much you can dedicate to health insurance premiums. To save on expenses, consider plans with higher deductibles or co-pays that allow for lower monthly premium costs. Remember to factor in employee premiums versus company contributions to estimate total plan expenses. 

• Number of employees and status. Identify how many full-time versus part-time or seasonal staff you have. Typically, benefits are provided for full-time workers (employees working an average of 30 hours per week), while you may not need to offer health care coverage to part-time workers.

• Employee needs. Talk to your team or review trends in their healthcare usage to align your insurance plan with their specific needs. For example, if several employees have conditions like diabetes, focus on small business health insurance plans that offer affordable medication coverage. If your workforce prioritizes preventive care, look for a plan with access to high-quality wellness programs and regular checkups.

• Tax benefits. Research if offering health insurance could qualify your business for tax credits or deductions. This could offset some costs and make the plan more affordable for your business in the long run.

3. Consult With an Insurance Broker or Agent

Talk to an insurance broker to narrow down the best plan for your small business. A knowledgeable insurance company agent can help you navigate your options and choose coverage that fits your budget and employee needs. Consider the following questions to guide you toward an affordable private health insurance plan that’s right for you:

• What are the total costs, including premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums? Understanding the full financial picture helps you avoid hidden fees. For example, a low premium might seem attractive, but a high deductible could leave employees with large bills before coverage kicks in.

• What’s covered under the plan, and what are the exclusions? Helps you avoid unexpected gaps in coverage that could leave your employees unprotected. For instance, if your plan requires pre-approvals for surgeries or specialized treatments, you’ll need to inform employees so they don’t face unexpected denials or delays in care.

• Which healthcare providers and networks are included? Ensures employees have access to preferred doctors and hospitals. For example, if you own a small long-distance trucking fleet, you may need special nationwide coverage to protect employees on the road. 

• How flexible is the plan regarding changes in employee numbers or status? You’ll want a plan that adapts as your business and team grow. For instance, if you anticipate hiring more staff next year, check if the plan allows easy adjustments without major cost increases.

• What additional benefits, such as wellness programs or mental health services, are available? These extras can boost employee well-being and potentially lower healthcare costs. Ensure your plan includes access to counseling or coverage for alternative therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic care so you meet a wider range of employee needs.

4. Enroll and Share the Plan With Your Employees

After choosing the right health insurance plan, it’s time to enroll your business and share the details with your team. Hold an informational session or provide clear resources that outline important details like coverage, costs, and how to access care. Walk your employees through the enrollment process, answering any questions they might have. 

This ensures that everyone understands their benefits and feels comfortable with the plan. Making the transition easy and clear will help your team feel supported.

Get Affordable Private Health Insurance for Your Small Business

Offering health insurance can attract top talent and support your employees’ well-being, boosting the success of your small business. United National Healthcare provides private insurance plans tailored to meet the needs of small companies like yours. With knowledgeable guidance and a range of coverage options, United National Healthcare private insurance plans make it easy to find a policy that fits your budget while protecting your team. 

Contact us today for an instant quote and discover how we can help your business provide affordable, reliable health insurance.