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small business health insurance open enrollment

The Small Business Guide to Open Enrollment 2021

If you are a small business owner, you have likely heard the term “Open Enrollment” used around this time of the year. Open Enrollment is a period of time at the end of the year when individuals can choose their health insurance plan for the following year. This period is important, as this is when new pricing is released for employer-sponsored health plans for the upcoming year.

In general, Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to December 15 . Certain states begin their Open Enrollment period as early as October 15, and some states extend the period through January 31. During this time, you can visit the federal health exchange and find an individual plan. No matter which plan you select, coverage for plans selected during this time begin January 1, 2022 and end December 31, 2022.

If you’re like many of the small businesses we talk to everyday, you may be wondering if you should direct your employees to the exchange to sign up for individual plans or if you should offer a group health insurance plan.

Here, we will explain some of the complexities of the Open Enrollment period.

Research your options, choose your plan, and enroll

Open Enrollment Period

Something most people don’t realize: Open Enrollment only applies if you’re opting for an individual plan. Individual plans are only available to new enrollments between November 1 and December 15. Your employees may be able eligible to sign up for an individual plan outside of this window, however, if they have a  qualifying life event . Qualifying life events include marriage or the birth of a child.

We still view Open Enrollment as a good reminder for the need for health insurance for everyone. While you can sign up for small business health insurance through a broker like  SimplyInsured  at any time during the year, Open Enrollment often brings up a lot of activity and discussion around health insurance. We welcome this time of year!

In general, we’ve found that  small business plans are 10-20% cheaper than individual plans , but this varies based on income. If your individual income is less than $48,000, you may qualify for subsidies from the government when purchasing individual insurance. The lower your annual income, the higher the subsidy. We recommend this calculator to help you determine your subsidy.

An additional piece of information to help with the decision-marking process: small business health insurance plans are tax deductible, which reduces the cost of coverage by the business tax rate.   As a rule of thumb, we recommend looking outside of the individual marketplace if your individual income is more than $48,000.

Carrier Availability

Quick peek behind the curtain of insurance: individual plans are less profitable than employer-sponsored plans. Because of this, many insurers have been  leaving the individual health exchanges . In fact, in the 2020 open enrollment period,  31% of counties only have one carrier option  on the individual market.  Some carriers are opting to stay on the exchanges, but only offer more restrictive plans, like HMOs, to control costs. In contrast, nearly all carriers offer small business health insurance options and provide multiple different types of plans.

No matter which option you go with, you should be able to find a plan with the appropriate coverage level. On the individual health exchanges, you may see fewer carriers, as noted above. Generally, different tiered plans are available (i.e., bronze, silver, gold, and platinum plans) for both individual and small business plans. 

Doctor and Hospital Network

Though this varies across markets and plan levels, small business health insurance plans generally have larger doctor and hospital networks. This is primarily due to the wider range of options available.

Eligibility

Individual plans have less stringent eligibility requirements than group plans. To qualify for an individual plan, you must live in the U.S., be a U.S. citizen or  eligible immigrant , and cannot be incarcerated. To qualify for a group plan, there must be at least two people in your company. At least one of the employees must be a W-2 employee. Additionally, the group cannot consist of a married couple unless you live in Washington, California, or Texas.

Have more  questions ? Contact us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to guide you in the right direction.

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Marketplace Health Insurance for the Self Employed and Small Business Owners

Navigating health coverage as a self-employed or small business owner? Discover Marketplace plans, tax benefits, and smart options in this guide.

Self-Employed & Small Business Health Insurance

One of the major expenses for not just families and individuals, but also employers and the self-employed is having access to health care. Being self-employed or owning a business can make it seem like there are limited health plan options for medical services. The federal government provides resources to help employers of a small business and the self-employed to pay for most plans.

Ways to get medical coverage as a self-employed individual or small business owner

Individual health insurance policy.

The first way to get medical coverage as a self-employed individual or owner of a small business is to buy an individual health insurance policy. These plans are regulated by state governments, so the benefits and coverage can vary state to state. Most importantly, these plans do not have to be bought through an employer, so they may be more expensive. However, the federal government offers tax breaks for self-employed individuals and small business owners who purchase their own health coverage.

Trade association

The second way to get medical insurance as a self-employed individual or small business owner is to join a trade association. Some of these organizations offer group health insurance plans to their members. The benefits and coverage can vary depending on the organization, but this may be a more affordable option than purchasing an individual health insurance policy.

Medicaid and CHIP

The third way to get medical insurance as a self-employed individual or small business owner is to participate in a government program like Medicaid, Medicare or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs are designed to help low-income families and individuals afford health care. To be eligible for Medicaid, a person must have an income that is below a certain level. For CHIP, a family’s income must be low, but not as low as it would have to be to qualify for Medicaid, Medicare is only available to people over 65 or disabled.

Marketplace Insurance

The fourth way to get health coverage as a self-employed individual or small business owner is to purchase a medical insurance policy through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace is a place where people can shop for and compare different medical insurance plans. There are four different types of plans that are offered through the Marketplace: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The plans differ in how much they cover and how much you will have to pay out-of-pocket for medical services.

Healthcare sharing ministry

The fifth way to get medical insurance as a self-employed individual or small business owner is to join a health care sharing ministry. These organizations are not insurance companies, but they do provide some financial assistance with medical expenses. To be eligible, members must agree to share their medical expenses with other members of the organization.

Short-term health insurance policy

The sixth way to get medical insurance as a self-employed individual or small business owner is to purchase a short-term health insurance policy. These policies are not required to provide the same level of coverage as other types of medical insurance plans, but they can be useful for people who need temporary coverage. For example, if you are between jobs or waiting for your Marketplace health insurance to start, a short-term health insurance policy can help you pay for medical expenses.

No matter which way you choose to get a health plan as a self-employed individual or small business owner, it’s important to make sure that you have coverage that meets your needs. You can use the resources on Healthcare.gov to find out more about your options and to compare different medical insurance plans. You can also contact your state’s Department of Insurance for more information.

Tax Implications

Individuals who are self-employed can deduct the cost of their health insurance premiums on their taxes. The IRS notes that this deduction is available whether you purchase a medical insurance policy through the Health Insurance Marketplace, a private company, or a government program like Medicaid or Medicare.

To deduct the cost of your health insurance premiums, you will need to fill out Form 1040 and include Schedule C. On Schedule C, you will list the amount you paid for health insurance premiums under the “Insurance and Other Expenses” section. The amount you can deduct is limited to the amount of profit you made from your business. So, if your business had a net loss for the year, you would not be able to deduct the cost of your health insurance premiums.

Self-employed individuals and small business owners have several options for obtaining health insurance. They can purchase a policy through the Health Insurance Marketplace, participate in a government program like Medicaid or Medicare, join a health care sharing ministry, or purchase a short-term health insurance policy. Tax deductions are available for the cost of health insurance premiums.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for medical insurance:

1. Make sure the plan covers the essential health benefits and preventive care required by the Affordable Care Act. These include hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance abuse services, and more.

2. Consider your family’s health needs when choosing a plan. If you have young children, for example, you may want to find a plan that offers good coverage for pediatric care.

3. Compare premiums, deductibles, and other costs. Be sure to factor in your budget when choosing a plan.

4. Check whether the plan has a network of doctors and hospitals you can use.

5. Read the plan’s fine print to understand what is and isn’t covered.

With so many different medical insurance plans available, it can be difficult to know where to start. The best place to start is by using the federal government’s Health Insurance Marketplace.

How small businesses and the self-employed get health coverage through the federal government health insurance marketplace

The Health Insurance Marketplace is a website where you can shop for medical insurance. It’s open to everyone, regardless of whether you get your medical insurance through your job, Medicare, Medicaid, or another source.

If you’re self-employed or own a small business with fewer than 50 employees, you may be able to get a health plan through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP).

SHOP plans are available through the Health Insurance Marketplace. You can use the Marketplace to compare plans and prices, and apply for subsidies you may qualify for to secure a more affordable service.

You can also get help from a navigator or broker. These are people who can guide you through the process of choosing and enrolling in a medical insurance plan.

The open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace is from November 1 to December 15 each year. If you enroll during this time, your coverage will start on January 1 of the following year.

You can also enroll in a medical insurance plan outside of the open enrollment period if you have a qualifying life event, such as losing your job or getting married.

Types of health Insurance plans for small businesses and the self-employed

There are a few types of plans available through the Health Insurance Marketplace:

1. Marketplace plan: These are medical insurance plans offered by private companies that have been approved by the government.

2. Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans: These are government-sponsored medical insurance programs for low-income people.

You can compare plans and prices on the Health Insurance Marketplace website. You can also find out if you qualify for subsidies to help lower your costs.

SHOP plans are available through the Health Insurance Marketplace. You can use the Marketplace to compare plans & prices and apply for subsidies to help lower your costs.

Federal government websites

To search for other information you can visit the official Federal Government website of the united states government for health and human services:

https://www.hhs.gov/programs/health-insurance/index.html

https://www.healthcare.gov/self-employed/coverage/

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Exploring coverage options for small businesses

Health insurance for businesses, group health insurance coverage.

  • Learn more about purchasing insurance through SHOP
  • See SHOP plans and prices
  • How the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affects small businesses

Health reimbursement arrangements

  • Qualified small employers
  • Individual coverage, such as Marketplace plans
  • Additional health benefits (when offered with a traditional group plan)

Health Savings Accounts and other tax-favored health plans

A type of savings account that lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses. By using untaxed dollars in a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and some other expenses, you may be able to lower your overall health care costs. HSA funds generally may not be used to pay premiums.

Refer to glossary for more details.

Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) are employer-funded group health plans from which employees are reimbursed tax-free for qualified medical expenses up to a fixed dollar amount per year. Unused amounts may be rolled over to be used in subsequent years. The employer funds and owns the arrangement. Health Reimbursement Arrangements are sometimes called Health Reimbursement Accounts.

Open Enrollment: What Small Businesses Need to Know About the Affordable Care Act

Table of contents.

small business health insurance open enrollment

In addition to preparing for the holidays and the year’s end , small business owners and employees must also deal with open enrollment. Open enrollment is a period of time in which employees can enroll in healthcare plans and change their insurance. Open enrollment runs from November 1 to December 15. 

For many small businesses, the open enrollment process is fraught with difficulties, including communicating benefit plans to employees and complying with ever-changing federal regulations.

Here is a recap of the rules for 2024 so you can keep your company compliant and address questions your employees are likely to have.

Employer open enrollment laws and rules

Judy Kamens, a compliance specialist at Lawley Insurance, prepared a health insurance checklist that outlines out-of-pocket maximums, preventative care benefits and limits on health flexible savings account contributions. While she compiled that checklist in 2020, Business News Daily has updated the following to reflect 2024’s changes. 

Out-of-pocket maximums

The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services updated the 2024 limits on cost-sharing for essential health benefits (EHB).

The out-of-pocket maximum that covered employees may be responsible for in 2024 is $9,450 for self-only coverage and $18,900 for family coverage. This represents a notable increase from the 2023 limits — $9,100 and $18,200, respectively.

Employees should review their plans’ out-of-pocket maximums and guarantee that they comply with the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) limits for the 2024 plan year.

Plans with a high deductible, also known as a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), need to be compatible with a health savings account (HSA). As part of the law, the plans’ out-of-pocket maximum must be lower than the ACA’s limit, said Kamens. On the 2024 plans, the out-of-pocket maximum limit for HDHPs is $8,050 for self-only coverage and $16,100 for family coverage.

If a plan uses multiple services providers to administer benefits, you should make sure that plan “coordinates all claims for EHB across the plan’s service providers or divides the out-of-pocket maximum across the categories of benefits, with a combined limit that does not exceed the maximum [for 2024],” added Kamens.

Preventive care benefits

Under the ACA, most health insurance policies must cover certain preventative care services without imposing cost-sharing requirements such as deductibles, copayments or coinsurance. Adults and children qualify for different preventative care benefits, including:

  • Alcohol misuse screening and counseling for adults.
  • Blood pressure screening for adults.
  • Hepatitis B screening for people at high risk, including people from countries with 2 percent or more Hepatitis B prevalence and U.S.-born people not vaccinated as infants and with at least one parent born in a region with 8 percent or more Hepatitis B prevalence.
  • Depression screening for adults.
  • HIV screening for adults.
  • Diet counseling for adults at higher risk for chronic disease.
  • Autism screening for children at 18 and 24 months.
  • Fluoride varnish for all infants and children as soon as teeth are present.
  • Gonorrhea preventive medication for the eyes of all newborns.
  • Iron supplements for children ages 6 to 12 months at risk for anemia.

There are more than 50 different preventative care services. For information on what they are, visit the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Health flexible savings accounts

A flexible spending account (also known as a flexible spending arrangement or FSA) is a type of savings account into which employees disburse a portion of their pretax paycheck for select out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Employers aren’t required to fund workers’ FSAs, but some contribute as an employee benefit. The maximum amount an employer contributes should not exceed the ACA’s maximum limit for the plan year.

For 2024, the IRS has announced the following:

  • The annual contribution limitation : For the calendar year 2024, the annual limit on deductions for an individual with self-only coverage under a high-deductible health plan is $4,150. For an individual with family coverage under a high-deductible health plan, the limit is $8,300.
  • The high-deductible health plan: For the calendar year 2024, a high-deductible health plan is defined as a health plan with an annual deductible that is not less than $1,600 for self-only coverage or $3,200 for family coverage and annual out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, copayments and other amounts but not premiums) that do not exceed $8,050 for self-only coverage or $16,100 for family coverage.

Employer open enrollment deadline obligations

Employers often wonder what they’re required to do if an employee misses open enrollment. The answer may surprise you: absolutely nothing.

Employers are not legally responsible for employees who miss the open enrollment deadline. Of course, employees may be upset and this can cause extra stress and paperwork for your administrative staff but you aren’t accountable legally. However, it’s still a best practice to keep employees informed about upcoming deadlines. 

Rather than provide employees with a traditional health insurance policy, employers may offer individual Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA). An employee with an HRA chooses a plan from the Marketplace, but the employer reimburses them for medical coverage costs like copays, premiums and deductions.

Finding the right plans for your business

Every business’s needs are different, so it’s important to shop around for coverage. Here’s what to keep in mind as you review benefits packages. 

Group or individual/family plan

When considering health insurance benefits, most small business owners aren’t aware of all their options. Group health insurance is the traditional means of providing employees with insurance benefits. However, employers with small teams may consider individual or family health insurance plans to provide employees with coverage tailored to their needs. This may save the business owner significant administrative time and expense.

This type of plan may also give you access to substantial government subsidies that could lower the cost of coverage. A health insurance agent can help you assess whether group or individual/family insurance is the best structure for your business and your employees.

Consider costs to you and your employees

For health insurance, it’s especially important to consider the overall price tag. Choosing a plan that is too costly for your employees could trigger big fines. In 2024, the fine per full-time employee for failing to provide affordable coverage is $4,460. So don’t look to cut costs by shifting too much of the financial burden to your workers. 

“The biggest choice employers have is how much they are willing to contribute to the plan and how much each employee is going to contribute,” said Arthur Tacchino, J.D., founder of SyncStream. “Not only does the employer have to offer coverage, but they [also] have to offer [coverage that] is considered affordable.”

Listen to your workforce

John Neumaier, regional president of the Atlantic and Northeast region for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., a global insurance broker and risk management service firm, advised that before you make any decisions, listen to your employees so you understand their needs and preferences.

“Quarterly employee-benefits roundtables are a great way to engage employees and solicit feedback … since the perceived value of a benefits program can vary greatly among different demographic groups within an employer’s workforce,” Neumaier told Business News Daily.

Lesley Grady, vice president of Enterprise Practice at Sequoia Consulting Group, agreed that employees feel empowered when they have choices but warned that too many choices are daunting and can lead employees astray. Your staff needs options but those options need to tie to the company’s strategy and workforce culture, she said.

Communicating benefits options to your staff

Choosing benefits packages is only half the battle. Your employees also need to understand them. Communicating the plans to your employees clearly and simply is the key to helping workers take full advantage of their benefits.

John Park, partner at Lemhi Ventures, said many people find the process of benefits enrollment difficult and complex. This is especially true when you introduce changes, which lead to an increase in confusion and anxiety, he said.

“Employers are overconfident about communication regarding benefits,” Park said. “Most employers only communicate once per year, during open enrollment, [but] communication should be ongoing about enrolling in and using benefits.”

Our sources offered their advice on discussing benefits with your employees.

“ Understand the forms and what you’re reporting. One of the biggest struggles we’ve had as a company with employers we’ve worked with is that they didn’t understand the tax forms themselves and then couldn’t answer inquiries from their employees. The better the employer can understand compliance and [the] forms, the more likely they are to avoid penalties and [to] better field questions.” ― Arthur Tacchino

“ Educate your employees on basic benefits terminology ― deductible, premium, etc. ― during each open enrollment cycle. Employees who fully understand their benefits packages are more likely to appreciate them.” ― George Katsoudas, senior vice president of Compliance Counsel, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

“As employers increasingly ask their employees to be better consumers of healthcare, companies must equip them with the information necessary to make wise cost decisions . A good first step is to ensure that employees know how to access the free transparency tools provided online by most medical carriers. Provide employees with a breakdown of medical and pharmaceutical cost increases to avoid sticker shock.” ― John Neumaier 

“Give people the combination of choice and personal accountability for their healthcare. Part of this is a benefit design that promotes financial responsibility [and] utilizing their benefits in the most effective way. In the long term, it will result in better choices and behavior changes that will lead to better health and lower costs.” ― John Park

For more advice on creating a great benefits package for your employees, visit this Business News Daily guide .

It’s vital to explain the enrollment process and available benefits packages to your employees as clearly as possible. Ideally, employees should feel empowered to choose and take advantage of their benefits and they should feel comfortable asking questions about coverage.

Frequently asked questions about open enrollment

As you help your employees prepare for open enrollment, there are a few questions you should be prepared to address.

Do your employees have to sign up for all insurance types during open enrollment?

No, they do not. The most popular types of insurance employers typically sign up for during open enrollment include dental, vision, short-term disability insurance and long-term disability insurance.

What is the difference between a PPO and an HMO?

The differences between health maintenance organization (HMO) and preferred provider organization (PPO) plans include network size, the ability to see specialists, costs and out-of-network coverage. While PPOs tend to provide more flexibility for seeing specialists and have larger networks than HMOs, they come at a higher cost.

What happens to the money in my HSA after I turn 65?

Any money that is remaining in a health savings account after the age of 65 can be used to pay for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, such as a new pair of eyeglasses and copayments.

Open enrollment tips

Understanding open enrollment could help you attract — and maintain — the most skilled employees in your industry. In the weeks leading up to open enrollment, small business owners should take the time to review any changes in open enrollment guidelines or rules for the upcoming year. 

The ACA Marketplace offers a wide range of coverage options — consider your employees’ needs and incorporate their feedback as you make your decisions. Benefits enrollment is also often challenging for many employees. 

Whenever possible, try to anticipate possible questions and stumbling blocks. By offering valuable benefits and careful guidance through open enrollment, your business can show your employees that you hear their concerns and appreciate their contributions.

Adam C. Uzialko and Cailin Potami also contributed to this article. Some source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.

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Building healthier workplaces together

A small business with about 40 employees shares why working with UnitedHealthcare has enabled them to provide a health plan that delivers on what matters to their employees.

small business health insurance open enrollment

Video transcript

Instrumental music plays throughout. Three white lines curl across a blue background. Blue text centers a white screen.

ONSCREEN TEXT:          Building healthier workplaces together

Upbeat music plays to a montage of shots from employees working in warehouse, a forklift, a man outside, seed being filled into a bag, a white truck driving through plains, and a blonde-haired woman smiling.

The screen dissolves into white with the blue United U logo appearing in the center.

Inspirational music begins playing as we see an aerial view of the Albert Lea Seed Plant. The scene switches to an aerial view of a baseball field, then to the Albert Lea Seed Plant entrance. The view moves inside where Matt Helgeson speaks to a circle of employees in the warehouse.

MATT: Okay, good morning, everybody.

We've got trucks at the dock today, so it's going to be a busy Monday.

We've got trucks on the scale as well, so we'll need a couple samples pulled up.

The screen shows Matt being interviewed before a white background.

MATT: Albert Lea Seed has been in business for almost 100 years,

A blue bar slides into the bottom left of the screen, containing white text.

ONSCREEN TEXT:          Matt Helgeson Owner, Albert Lea Seed

MATT: and today our focus is distributing seed throughout the Upper Midwest and throughout the country.

A white text box with the Albert Lea Seed logo scrolls down from the top left of the screen.

ONSCREEN TEXT:          Organization Albert Lea Seed 

Location Albert Lea, MN

Industry Agriculture

Established 1923

Number of employees 40

Music continues. We see Matt checking seed and then a man pouring seed into a bag in a warehouse.

Matt: One of our key focuses is distributing an organic and non-GMO seed to farmers who are under those production methods.

We see Matt and another man examining seeds in a field.

MATT: Many of our seeds that we offer here are produced by local farmers.

Those seeds include soybeans especially, and also small grains; things like oats, wheat, barley, and rye.

We see palettes of bags of organic grain seed and barley. Scene cuts to a white truck driving on a dirt road in the fields.

MATT: Those relationships with our customers matter to us, and they matter to the farmer, and so we try to offer honest advice and seeds in which the quality we believe is truly there.

Matt gets out of truck and shakes hands with another man in a field. Matt and a man inspecting crop.

Nicole Hansen begins speaking. We see the Albert Lea Seed building sign, then Nicole speaking to employees in the warehouse, handing out open enrollment booklets. A white UnitedHealthcare U logo is at the bottom right corner of the screen

NICOLE: Good morning, everyone. I'm going to briefly talk to you guys this morning about open enrollment for 2022. I'm going to hand out some booklets for everyone.

The screen changes to Nicole Hansen interviewing before a white background. A blue bar slides into the bottom left of the screen, containing white text.

ONSCREEN TEXT:        Nicole Hansen Human Resources, Albert Lea Seed

NICOLE: A lot of people are surprised to hear that the Albert Lea Seed House even offers benefits just because we're such a small employer and we're not actually required to offer any type of health insurance.

Nicole continues speaking while we see a montage of a forklift in the warehouse.

NICOLE: We want the best for our staff and for their families. We take a lot of pride in not having high turnover rates, and that's because of how we treat our employees and how comfortable they feel with us.

The screen switches back to Nicole in front of a white background.

NICOLE: We meet with our broker every year, the controller and I do, and we're always looking at a plan that's going to impact our staff in the most positive way.

Nicole continues speaking while we see a montage of employees working with seed in the warehouse.

NICOLE: Which one is going to cover them is depending on what's going on in their life and make a positive impact on them and their families.

Matt begins speaking and we see a montage of workers in the warehouse.

Matt: The health of our employees is critically important.

The screen changes to Matt being interviewed in front of a white background.

MATT: The UnitedHealthcare plan has been very beneficial for all of our employees here.

While Matt is speaking, we now see a montage of employees at work and the white UnitedHealthcare U logo in the bottom right corner.

MATT: The incentives for employees to improve their health and have more of a preventative concept is really important.

Nicole is speaking before a white background.

NICOLE: The incentive program that's offered through UnitedHealthcare is a huge success with all of my staff here.

While she is speaking, we see Nicole and Matt walking and talking outside.

NICOLE: They love the incentive for them to get up and get moving. It gives them a great feeling, and they love the extra cash flow into their HSA. These plans that we offer through UnitedHealthcare are very important to us because happier employees are more productive employees, which are healthier employees.

The screen is changing back to Nicole speaking in front of a white background

NICOLE: And that's exactly what we strive for here at the Albert Lea Seed House.

Blue text flashes quickly on screen, centering a white background.

ONSCREEN TEXT:        There

ONSCREEN TEXT:        for

ONSCREEN TEXT:        what

ONSCREEN TEXT:        matters

A blue u-shaped logo appears against a white background, followed by text.

ONSCREEN TEXT:        UnitedHealthcare

Small black text runs along the bottom of the screen.

ONSCREEN TEXT:        All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

ONSCREEN TEXT:        Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.

ONSCREEN TEXT:        © 2023 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 23-2747306

ONSCREEN TEXT:        EI232767439 11/23

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Open Enrollment for Health Insurance

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Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Open enrollment is the time period each year when you’re allowed to start, stop or change your health insurance plan. Normally, you sign up around the end of one calendar year for coverage that lasts the next full year. Here’s what to know about your open enrollment.

Open enrollment for health insurance

Open enrollment for federal and state marketplace plans.

Each year the open enrollment window for private, individual health plans lasts 45 days: Nov. 1 to Dec. 15.

You can shop for individual health plans in four ways:

On the federal marketplace or a state exchange via Healthcare.gov .

On the phone, by calling the marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596.

Directly on an insurer’s website.

Via a local health insurance broker.

The only way to get an individual health plan outside of open enrollment is to qualify for a special enrollment period .

An advantage of using Healthcare.gov is that tax credits to lower your monthly premiums are available only on this federal marketplace or a state exchange.

If your income is too high and you won't qualify for tax credits, or if you have a chronic condition and the marketplace plans don’t cover your needs, you may decide to shop elsewhere for a health plan. A health insurance broker or online health insurance seller may help you find a plan that's better for you than those offered on a state or federal marketplace.

Open enrollment for employer-sponsored insurance

If your health insurance comes from an employer, your open enrollment period might change each year. Timing can depend on several factors, but selection is generally during the fall.

You can purchase a different plan from one your employer offers if you wish. But if you decline your employer’s insurance, be aware that:

You can’t get premium tax credits for a marketplace plan unless your employer’s plan fails to meet minimum standards for coverage and affordability . Since employers usually pick up part of the bill, you could end up paying a lot more.

If you then fail to buy a plan during the open enrollment period for individual plans, you’ll be uninsured and in some states, may have to pay a penalty. (There is no longer a federal penalty for not having health insurance.)

Medicare open enrollment

Medicare open enrollment is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. Medicare beneficiaries also have other time periods throughout the year when they can change benefits. And unlike other types of insurance, Medicare has additional “disenrollment” periods.

On a similar note...

A comprehensive guide to small business insurance: Here’s how to safeguard your company

small business health insurance open enrollment

Starting your own business requires a significant investment of both time and money. Millions of people continue to step up to the challenge with 33 million small businesses active in the U.S. as of 2023. However, without a proper business insurance plan in place, you risk losing everything you worked so hard to build. 

According to a survey released by Next Insurance , 90% of business owners weren’t sure if they had adequate coverage. Worse, 29% had no business insurance coverage at all, leaving their business and investments vulnerable to natural disasters, theft or lawsuits.

Small business insurance provides critical protection for your business, but there are several different types of coverage. Understanding the options available and what to expect in terms of cost can help you find the right coverage for your business (and your budget).  

7 common types of small business insurance

A customer visits your store and slips and breaks his arm while browsing the store aisles. 

A fire breaks out and spreads to your warehouse, destroying your inventory. 

Or a thief breaks into the office and steals your laptop. 

Whatever the case may be, there are many unexpected and horrifying scenarios that can threaten your business. 

Like your personal car or homeowners insurance policy, small business insurance acts as a safety net for your business, protecting your business property and assets against common disasters or accidents. 

Whether you’re the sole employee of your own company or you have dozens of workers, your small business likely needs some form of protection. What kind of insurance your business needs depends on the type of work you do, the size of your operation and your location. These are some of the most common business insurance options:

Business owners policies (BOPs)

A BOP is actually an insurance package that combines several forms of coverage together, making it a simple option for small business owners. BOPs usually include general liability, property insurance and business interruption insurance. 

BOPs are often more cost-effective than purchasing each type of coverage separately, and you can customize your BOP with optional add-ons, such as cyber risk insurance or commercial auto coverage . 

General liability

General liability insurance protects you against financial losses that may result from bodily injuries or property damage that occur due to your business. For example, if a client is injured on your business premises, general liability coverage would help cover your legal bills, the medical bills of the affected person and any damages resulting from a lawsuit. 

Product liability

If you produce or sell products, product liability coverage protects you against losses that result from products that you make, distribute or sell. For example, if a customer needs medical attention after getting hurt by a product you manufactured, product liability insurance would help you with the legal and medical expenses. 

Professional liability 

Professional liability insurance covers your legal expenses and damages related to issues that result from your professional negligence or mistakes. 

Commercial property

If your business property, equipment or inventory is damaged by a storm, fire or theft, commercial property insurance will reimburse you for your losses. 

Home-based business

According to the Small Business Administration , more than half of all small businesses are home-based. If you run your business from your home, you’ll need separate coverage from your personal homeowners or renters insurance policy . 

Home-based business insurance provides added protection for your business equipment and supplies, as well as protection against liability issues that aren’t covered by your personal policies. 

Workers’ compensation

If you have employees, you’re usually required to have workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation pays for your employees’ medical care and a portion of their wages if they’re injured or become ill while working. 

Other types of coverage

Beyond the seven main types of small business insurance, there are many other types of coverage. If your company works in particular industries or has specialized needs, you may need additional insurance. Some common add-ons include: 

  • Business interruption: If your business were forced to close due to a covered reason, such as storm damage, business interruption coverage will help cover your lost income. 
  • Commercial auto: If you have vehicles that you use for your business, including delivery trucks, you’ll need a separate commercial auto policy. 
  • Cyber liability: For businesses that sell or store customer information online, cyber liability insurance is a must. If your information — or your customers’ details — are compromised, cyber insurance covers the costs of system recovery efforts, notification expenses, fines and identity theft protection for your affected customers. 

How to purchase small business insurance 

To purchase small business insurance, follow these steps: 

  • Think about what coverage you need: Consider what kinds of insurance you need. For example, if you have company vehicles, you’ll likely need commercial auto coverage in addition to general liability and professional liability policies. And if your business operates in areas that are prone to natural disasters, such as floods or earthquakes, you may need separate commercial policies for those issues too. 
  • Shop around: Prices can vary significantly by insurer. Many insurers allow you to request quotes for small business insurance online; enter information about your company’s age, revenue, industry and employees, and the insurer will give you an estimate for your desired coverage. 
  • Contact an agent or broker: Once you know what kind of insurance you need, you can reach out to commercial insurance brokers or company agents to get exact pricing details and purchase a policy. 

According to Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications with the Insurance Information Institute , a broker can be a valuable resource as you begin the process. 

“A qualified broker can help a business owner collect all the information they will need to apply for a policy, and help them comparison shop among several options and quotes,” he said. “Before hiring [a broker], we recommend reviewing the broker’s background and experience as well as the services provided and any fees charged.”

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has a tool you can use to find insurance agents and brokers in your area. 

Small business insurance FAQs  

Do i need small business insurance if i’m just starting out.

Many people put off purchasing coverage because of the expense, but according to Chris Rhodes, chief insurance officer of NEXT Insurance, that mindset could be a costly mistake. 

“Purchasing insurance should be one of, if not the first, things on your checklist as a new business owner,” he said. “Regardless of revenue or investment level, having insurance is crucial for protecting your future livelihood.”

At a minimum, simple BOP coverage or other basic forms of coverage are a good starting point. 

“As a rule of thumb, small business owners should purchase general liability or professional liability coverage as a first line of defense,” Rhodes said. 

How much does small business insurance cost?

The cost of small business insurance depends on several factors, including your company’s location, size and industry. BOP coverage, which bundles common insurance types onto one simple policy, typically costs between $40 and $170 per month.

What factors affect small business insurance costs?

Several factors affect cost, including: 

  • Service or product provided: Certain industries or business types, such as those in construction or transportation, are more likely to be involved in accidents, so premiums tend to be more expensive to offset the higher risk. 
  • Location: If you live in an area with a high cost of living or with a higher-than-average crime rate, your premiums will typically be higher. 
  • Size: If you have employees, your premiums will be much higher than that of a business owner who is a solopreneur. The larger the company, the more expensive your premiums will be. 

Does my state require business insurance?

If you have employees, federal law requires you to have workers’ compensation, unemployment and disability insurance. But in some states, certain professions have additional insurance requirements. 

For example, in Colorado, physicians are required to have malpractice insurance. In Oregon, 

lawyers must maintain malpractice insurance with the state Professional Liability Fund. 

Visit your state professional association or regulatory commission to find out what coverage you’ll need. 

Do freelancers need business insurance?

Freelancers can benefit from business insurance, even if they don’t work in-person with customers. Basic coverage, including professional liability coverage, can protect against issues like lawsuits over mistakes or errors. 

The takeaway  

To ensure your business isn’t stalled or disrupted by weather, theft, accidents or lawsuits, small business insurance is a crucial purchase. As you begin shopping for insurance, request quotes from leading small business insurance companies . 

“As a general rule,” Friedlander said, “small business owners should get business insurance quotes from at least three different companies.”

Shopping around will help you find the best coverage at the lowest rate.

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

Guide to small business insurance

The 10 best insurance companies for small businesses, 5 best small business insurance companies in california of 2024, 5 best small business insurance companies in new jersey of 2024, a comprehensive guide to small business insurance: here's how to safeguard your company.

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3 Ways to Help Your Employees Navigate Open Enrollment

A s a small business owner, there are different steps you can take to retain talent. One, of course, is to raise salaries every year and reward top performers with merit-based increases. And giving out bonuses wouldn't hurt, either. Nothing says "please stay on board" like a lump sum of money in an employee's checking account .

Offering a comprehensive set of benefits could also be essential to retaining talent. And now's the time when you're likely either kicking off your open enrollment period or are already in the middle of it. 

Open enrollment is a good thing in theory. It gives employees the opportunity to choose different types of benefits. But it can also be stressful for employees -- especially those choosing benefits for the first time. Here's how you can help mitigate that. 

1. Encourage your staff to consider total costs when choosing a health insurance plan

If your company offers more than one health insurance plan, then it's important to present a big picture view of what each option entails. Your employees may be inclined to choose the health plan with the lowest premiums. In doing so, they might sign up for large deductibles that are difficult for them to cover.

When presenting your health plan options, try to show comparisons so your employees can get a sense of their total costs. Compare the cost of one health plan's annual premium and deductible to another so they get a better sense of what they might be signing up for. 

2. Explain the benefits of signing up for your company's 401(k)

Only 34% of small businesses offer employees a workplace retirement savings plan, says Fidelity. If your company makes a 401(k) available to employees, they should know what a perk that is.

It's also a good idea to review the benefits of contributing to a 401(k) so your employees are more motivated to sign up. These include shielding income from taxes (in the case of contributing to a traditional 401(k) plan), enjoying tax-advantaged growth on investments , and having an automated means of building a retirement nest egg. If you're able to match worker contributions to some degree, even better.

3. Discuss voluntary benefits 

You may be in a position to offer your employees the chance to buy life insurance or pet insurance . If so, explain the financial benefits of having these protections. 

But also, explain what happens if your employees leave their job. Will they lose their coverage? Some life insurance policies bought through an employer are portable, while some aren't -- meaning, they go away when an employee separates from their employer. Make sure all of the details are clear so your employees end up with the coverage they need.

Open enrollment can be tough for employees to navigate without guidance. But if you take the time to really explain all of the options and benefits you're offering, you'll put your staff in a better position to make the right choices. And that could benefit you tremendously. 

Workers who are less stressed about financial matters may be better able to focus on their jobs. So while you may want to help your employees through open enrollment for their sake, the reality is that offering added guidance could actually help your company's bank account balance as well.

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3 Ways to Help Your Employees Navigate Open Enrollment

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Annual Open Enrollment

Registered agents and brokers can assist consumers who are enrolling in health and/or dental coverage through the Marketplace from  November 1 to January 15, each year during Open Enrollment . Please note that for plan 2024, Open Enrollment has been extended to January 16 , 2024, as January 15 is a federal holiday. You can also assist consumers year-round to help them update their application and enrollment information.

The resources below provide helpful Open Enrollment preparation information for agents and brokers as well as web-brokers who enroll consumers in the Health Insurance Marketplace and Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) health insurance. You can also visit the General Resources page for a complete list of all agent and broker resources.

  • Webinar Slides: Preparing for Plan Year 2024 Open Enrollment (PDF)
  • Webinar Slides: Plan Year 2024 Policy and Operations Updates (PDF)
  • Webinar Slides: Help On Demand Overview (PDF)
  • Webinar Slides: Helping Consumers No Longer Eligible for Medicaid: What Marketplace Agents and Brokers Need to Know (PDF)
  • Welcome to the Marketplace: A Guide for New Agents and Brokers for Plan Year 2024 (PDF)
  • Marketplace Compliance: 2024 Payment Notice Updates (PDF)

IMAGES

  1. When is Open Enrollment for Small Business Health Insurance Plans?

    small business health insurance open enrollment

  2. Open Enrollment Health Insurance: Is Your Employer's Plan the Most

    small business health insurance open enrollment

  3. Small Businesses’ Guide to 2020 Open Enrollment

    small business health insurance open enrollment

  4. Health Insurance Open Enrollment: Tips for Choosing the Right Plan

    small business health insurance open enrollment

  5. 5 Tips That Help Simplify Health Insurance Open Enrollment

    small business health insurance open enrollment

  6. How to Choose Small Business Health Insurance in Arizona

    small business health insurance open enrollment

VIDEO

  1. Open Enrollment for Health Insurance Begins

COMMENTS

  1. SHOP health insurance overview

    The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) is for small employers who want to provide health and/or dental insurance to their employees — affordably, flexibly, and conveniently. If eligible, you don't have to wait for an Open Enrollment Period. You can start offering SHOP coverage to your employees any time of year.

  2. Small Business Health Options Program

    Menu Enroll in SHOP Small Business Health Insurance See Topics SHOP Coverage Why use the SHOP Marketplace? Verify your eligibility for SHOP Small Business Health Insurance Tax Credit How to work with an agent or broker Insurance for multiple locations & businesses Minimum participation rates Appeal a SHOP marketplace decision

  3. Marketplace Plan Year 2024 Open Enrollment Fact Sheet

    In 2024, January 15 is a federal holiday; accordingly, consumers will have until midnight on Tuesday, January 16 (5 a.m. EST on January 17) to enroll in coverage. Consumers who enroll after December 15 but before the deadline in January will have coverage that starts February 1, 2024.

  4. Marketplace 2022 Open Enrollment Fact Sheet

    Learn about the Marketplace Open Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov from November 1, 2021 to January 15, 2022. Find out how to get enrollment assistance, access lower costs, and compare plans for 2022.

  5. The Small Business Guide to Open Enrollment 2021

    Learn the differences between individual and group health insurance plans, costs, carriers, coverage, eligibility, and more. Find out how to choose the best option for your small business during the Open Enrollment period from November 1 to December 15.

  6. The Small Business Open Enrollment Guide

    Learn how to enroll in a group health insurance plan for your small business during the Open Enrollment period from November 1 to December 15, 2020. Compare different health plan options, costs, benefits, and tax savings for you and your employees.

  7. Small Business Health Insurance Enrollment Explained

    Learn how to enroll in health insurance for a small business, when to make changes or add dependents, and where to find affordable plans. eHealth helps you compare low-cost health insurance options from the best providers in the nation.

  8. Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)

    Learn how to enroll in SHOP insurance, a health coverage option for employers with 1-50 FTEs. Find out if you qualify for the tax credit, see plans and prices, and get tools and resources.

  9. Health Insurance Guide For Self-Employed & Small Businesses

    The open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace is from November 1 to December 15 each year. If you enroll during this time, your coverage will start on January 1 of the following year. ... Types of health Insurance plans for small businesses and the self-employed.

  10. Health insurance for businesses

    Enroll in SHOP Small Business Health Insurance See Topics Why use the SHOP Marketplace? Verify your eligibility for SHOP Small Business Health Insurance Tax Credit How to work with an agent or broker Insurance for multiple locations & businesses Minimum participation rates Appeal a SHOP marketplace decision Additional resources for employers

  11. Can small businesses use the ACA's health insurance marketplaces

    The Affordable Care Act created an enrollment platform called SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program), an exchange where businesses could compare health insurance plans and enroll in coverage for their employees. Originally, the SHOP exchange was an option in every state, but in the 36 states that use HealthCare.gov, the availability of ...

  12. Open Enrollment: What Small Businesses Need to Consider

    Learn about the rules, deadlines and options for small businesses to offer health insurance to their employees during open enrollment. Find out how the Affordable Care Act affects out-of-pocket maximums, preventive care benefits and flexible spending accounts.

  13. Health insurance for small business

    Learn more about small business insurance from UnitedHealthcare® We can help you navigate insurance for business needs.

  14. Guide to Open Enrollment for Small Business Owners

    Open enrollment is the time of year when individuals and families can enroll in a health insurance plan for the next calendar year. This is the only time each year when current employees can make changes to their health insurance policy, unless they have a major life change (often called a qualifying life event or QLE).

  15. Open Enrollment for Health Insurance

    Open enrollment is the time period each year when you're allowed to start, stop or change your health insurance plan. Normally, you sign up around the end of one calendar year for coverage...

  16. Small Business Health Insurance Enrollment Periods: What You Need to Know

    Typically, there are two types of enrollment periods that small businesses and their employees need to be aware of. Open Enrollment Period Open enrollment is when anyone can sign up for a new health plan or change their current one. The set dates for open enrollment are usually between November 1st and December 15th, but states can set their ...

  17. When is Open Enrollment for Group Health Insurance?

    Learn how to enroll in group health insurance anytime if you qualify as a small business owner or employee. Compare plans and get tax benefits, deductions, and lower premiums with eHealth.

  18. NY State of Health Announces Affordable Health Plan Choices for 2022

    Open enrollment for coverage in a 2022 Qualified Health Plan starts November 16, 2021 for new and returning consumers and ends on January 31, 2022.

  19. A comprehensive guide to small business insurance

    Starting your own business requires a significant investment of both time and money. Millions of people continue to step up to the challenge with 33 million small businesses active in the U.S. as ...

  20. 3 Ways to Help Your Employees Navigate Open Enrollment

    3. Discuss voluntary benefits . You may be in a position to offer your employees the chance to buy life insurance or pet insurance.If so, explain the financial benefits of having these protections.

  21. Your Health Idaho Archives

    Health Workers Detect First Case of Omicron Variant in Idaho. Idaho Health Exchange Extends Deadline for Subsidized Health Insurance Enrollment to Dec. 22nd. Landlord Matthew Becker Forces Downtown Moscow Bangladeshi Restaurant out of Moscow with Possible Negative Outcome for Business Due to Loan Payments for Remodeling.

  22. Health Authorities Push Through Taxation Guidelines Behind Closed Doors

    Search When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type.

  23. Annual Open Enrollment

    Annual Open Enrollment Registered agents and brokers can assist consumers who are enrolling in health and/or dental coverage through the Marketplace from November 1 to January 15, each year during Open Enrollment. Please note that for plan 2024, Open Enrollment has been extended to January 16, 2024, as January 15 is a federal holiday.

  24. On the brink: why Russia's healthcare workers are organising

    Russia's Action (Deistvie) trade union was founded in 2012 by healthcare workers from Moscow and Izhevsk, and a 2013 work-to-rule action in the latter brought its first success. Medics in the ...

  25. Representatives From Over 100 Countries Took Part in the "Open

    655 speakers from over 100 countries participated in 150 discussions. More than 160 startups presented their projects to potential partners and investors. From October 21 to 23, over 20,000 people ...