In 1996, California Choice was introduced as the first private exchange offering multiple carriers for small businesses. Business owners and HR managers desired to provide their employees with more options for group health insurance without increasing costs. California Choice addressed this need by offering a choice for Californians seeking group health insurance. California Choice also understands the significance of a comprehensive employee benefits program. Employers can choose from various small business health insurance plans to offer their employees, with the added benefit of having eight different health plan providers.

Which Health Insurance Companies do California Choice partner with?

California Choice offers the following eight health insurance companies that are available for year-round enrollment. Because employees have the opportunity to compare and select small business health plans at a variety of price points and coverage options:

  1. Anthem Blue Cross
  2. Cigna + Oscar
  3. Health Net
  4. Kaiser Permanente
  5. Sharp Health Plan
  6. Sutter Health Plus
  7. UnitedHealthcare
  8. Western Health Advantage

What Health Plans Do These Health Insurance Companies Offer?

California Choice offers the health insurance coverage and choices you – and your employees – want and need from the following eight health insurance companies. You can select from various plan types, including HMO, PPO, EPO, and Health Savings Account-compatible plans.

Each Plan option offers a different balance of flexibility and cost, so you must choose wisely. Under the HMO and PPO plans, There are different tiers, which include Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum – they offer different levels of coverage and out-of-pocket costs. You can decide which tier(s) employees desire depending on your budget and employees’ needs.

Anthem has the largest provider network in the nation (and in California)

Who is Eligible for California Choice Group Health Insurance Plans?

If you’re an employer in California looking to purchase group health insurance, there are some basic requirements you need to meet:

  1. You need at least one full-time eligible employee on your payroll who is not the owner or spouse. This person should have worked for you for at least half of the previous calendar quarter.
  2. You must enroll at least 75% of your eligible employees in the group health insurance plan.
  3. The majority of your employees have to reside in California.

By meeting these requirements, you can provide your employees the benefits they deserve while ensuring compliance with regulations.

What Benefit Does California Choice Offer?

  • California Choice offers the benefit of selecting various plans from their different Health Plans provider: You no longer have to select one health plan for all your employees. Suppose one wants a PPO from Anthem Blue Cross, while another wants an HMO from Kaiser Permanente or UnitedHealthcare; it’s their choice. They can all get what they want with 70+ choices from eight carriers and health plans through California Choice. California health insurance plans are offered in a single package, so you get one monthly itemized bill regardless of which health insurance plans your employees select.
  • Cost Control: You can decide how much you can afford to contribute toward employee benefits, and employees use your contribution toward the option that they like best. But note that you must contribute at least 50% towards your employee’s premium.
  • Dental, Vision, Chiro, and More: Besides great health benefits, CaliforniaChoice also offers discounts on dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture, and life benefits. 
  • No Extra Cost: Everyone can access California Choice Business Solutions Suite if your business has two employees or 100. At no extra cost, you’ll have access to valuable added benefits like a free Premium Only Plan that lets employees pay insurance premiums pre-tax, an HSA Resource Center, and Cal-COBRA billing.  

Do I need a licensed Broker to get a health plan for my employee?

Working with a broker can be highly beneficial for self-employed business owners. At Skyline Benefit, we can guide you in finding the most suitable plan for your business and employees. We can also help you understand different options, including traditional health insurance, high-deductible, and self-funded plans. Additionally, we offer valuable advice and guidance on plan management, such as controlling costs and complying with healthcare regulations at no cost.

Need Help with Group Health Insurance

Skyline Benefit is an independent group health insurance broker with Cal Choice that offers affordable and flexible group health insurance options.

Selecting the best group health insurance plans can be overwhelming; our mission is to simplify the process and help our clients every step of the way.

Schedule a consultation today. Call us at: (714) 888-5112

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