Is group health insurance required by law?

There is no law requiring small business owners to provide health insurance.  Large employers with at least 50 full-time employees may face penalties if they do not offer coverage under the ACA. However, small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time-equivalent employees will not be penalized if they do not provide coverage.

Is my business qualified for a group insurance plan?

Federal law requires all plans to be sold to small businesses on a guaranteed issue basis. That means small businesses cannot be turned down by an insurance company based on the health status of the group.  Generally, a small business is defined as a business with 2 to 50 full-time employees. This often means, at least one owner and one full-time equivalent employee, or common law employee.

How much do I have to pay?

Generally, employers are required to contribute at least 50% of the monthly premiums for each employee, while the employee contributes the remainder from his paycheck.  Also, there are not specific rules about dependent coverage.  Your insurance contribution may seem expensive as a business owner, but your premium contributions are generally deductible from your business taxes.

When can I sign up for a small business plan?

If you are qualified as a small business, you can apply for small business health insurance at any point throughout the year. You can also add new employees or remove former employees from your health insurance plan any time of the year.