The Small Business Guide to Health Insurance

Healthcare can be confusing, especially for small business owners responsible for finding affordable coverage for their employees.

This small business guide to health insurance will break down the basics so you can make the best decision for your business. It will discuss the different types of plans available, what to look for when shopping for coverage, and how to find the best rates.

The first step is to understand the different types of health insurance plans. There are four main types of plans:

• Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)
• Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
• High-Deductible Health Plans
• Point-of-Service Plans

Each plan has its perks and drawbacks, so it's important to understand the differences before deciding.

• Preferred Provider Organizations have larger networks, but they are more expensive.
• Health Maintenance Organizations are the most affordable option but have the most restrictive networks of doctors and hospitals.
• High-Deductible Health Plans have the highest deductibles, but they also have the lowest premiums.
• Point-of-Service Plans fall in the middle, with moderate networks and moderate costs.

Things to Keep In Mind

Now that you know the fundamentals, it's time to start shopping for a plan. When you're comparing plans, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind.

First, consider the size of your business. If you have a small business with fewer than 50 employees, you'll want to look for a plan that offers small group coverage. If you have a larger company, you'll need to find a program that provides large group coverage.

Next, think about your budget. How much are you setting aside to spend on premiums? How much can your employees afford to pay in deductibles and copayments? Once you have a picture of what you're looking for, you can start comparing plans.

When comparing plans, look at:

• The network of doctors and hospitals
• The costs of premiums and deductibles
• The coverage for essential health benefits

Once you've found a few plans that meet your needs, you can start comparing rates. To get the most competitive rates, make sure to shop around. Compare quotes from different insurers and find the plan that offers the best value for your small business. You can pick the perfect health insurance plan for your business with a little research.

What to Look for in a Health Insurer

When you're shopping for health insurance, it's important to choose a reputable and reliable insurer. Here are a few pointers about what to look for:

Financial Stability

Ensure the insurer is in good financial shape. You can check the insurer's rating with A.M. Best or Standard & Poor's.

Customer Service

Find out what other small firms think of the insurer. You can read reviews online or ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations.

Coverage

Ensure the insurer offers the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Read the fine print and understand all policy terms before purchasing one.

Reputation

Check out the insurer's reputation. See if they have criticisms on file with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or your state insurance department.

Start on the Right Foot

While this small business guide to health insurance offers a general overview of the process, getting professional help is important when you're ready to purchase a policy. Hoffman Hanono Insurance can help you find your small company's perfect health insurance plan.

We have years of experience working with small businesses, so we know how to find the best coverage at the best rates. Reach out to one of our agents today to get started.