Covered California offers the following five health insurance companies that are available for year-round enrollment in the small business program.

  • Blue Shield
  • Health Net
  • Kaiser
  • Oscar Health
  • Sharp Health Plan

Because employees have the chance to compare and select many health plans with different price points, we can help you tailor your health plans to your employees’ medical needs and budgets.

Covered California Small Business Health Plans

Covered California for Small Business offers four levels of coverage: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. There are many plans under each metal tier.

We make it easy for you to choose not one level, but two adjoining levels of coverage.

You pick a reference plan and your employees have the option to select any plan within those two levels.

For example, you can control your budget by selecting a Silver plan as your reference plan while allowing employees to move up to Gold.

This provides your employees with a greater choice of multiple health plan options, allowing them to choose the right plan based on their needs and budgets.

Covered California Small Business Eligibility

Your business is eligible for Covered California if:

  • You have at least one but no more than 100 eligible employees and meet certain contribution and participation requirements.
  • You have at least one employee who receives a W-2.
  • The majority of your eligible employees live in California.

You are eligible for Covered California for Small Business if you have 100 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees.

If you are a sole proprietor, with no W-2-receiving employees, you may purchase coverage through Covered California’s individual marketplace.

Small Business Tax Credit

If you are a small business owner in California, you may qualify for a tax credit that could cover some of the costs you pay for employees’ premiums.

If you are a small business owner with 25 full-time employees or less, and pay an average salary less than or equal to $50,000 a year, you might be eligible for a tax credit.

The maximum tax credit available is 50 percent of premium expenses as a for-profit employer. The maximum credit for tax-exempt employers is 35 percent.

This credit applies to two consecutive tax years.  Small businesses must purchase health insurance through Covered California for the tax credits offered.

Need a Quote?

You can apply for small business health insurance at any point throughout the year.

Skyline Benefit is a Covered California insurance broker. Our small business team can assist you with reviewing your coverage options and making sure you find the best plan for your financial and medical needs.

Call for a free small business consultation at (714) 888-5116

You can also click here for an instant small business insurance quote