Sunday, January 30, 2011

Best place to purchase health insurance?

I am starting my own small business and need health insurance for my family. I won't go with Kaiser, please don't ask why. I need an HMO with no deductable or a very low deductable because in my area the Blue Cross, Blue Shield, HealthNet networks have pretty good doctors and hospitals within their "approved" networks. It will be a family-owned sole prop business. I live and work in California, but if there is value in incorporating in another state for the purpose of taxes or prices on health insurance, I guess I could do it...because I have not formally formed the corporation yet. I used to be under the impression that the best prices for Heath Insurance came when you worked for a big company, but things seem to have changed. I recently worked for another smalll family-owned business, and they got very good rates by incorporating and claiming a Headquarters in Washington. What is the best strategy to get the best insurance at the lowest rates for a small group- one family? Thanks!
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The misconception is that a person who owns a business can purchase group health insurance. Here are the facts, companies like Blue Cross, Blue Shield, HealthNet, have specific requirements for qualification for a business or what is known as "Group" insurance. Here are some of the major things you will need, first off you need at least two full time employees, these employees will need to be on payroll. You will need to show proof most common is a DE-6 (this is submitted to EDD to show withholding tax for employees, it will itemize payroll -hours worked, and withholding tax- if your employees are paid as independent contractors, you will not qualify for group health insurance). If you only have one employee on a DE-6 and you are the owner, you will need to show your Tax returns. Since your company is new, you should also be aware that the companies listed above also have a half of the quarter rule in business. You will need to also have Workers compensation insurance, in Ca. State Fund is the most popular for new companies. Another requirement is that you will be required to pay at least 50% of the employees cost, (not dependent) and also you in order to qualify your group you will need to meet participation, for the above companies it is normally 70-80% meaning that if you have 10 employees at least 7 will need to apply, unless they can prove that they have other insurance with a spouse (employer based). Here is the reality, no law says that you as a small business owner must offer health benefits, it is difficult enough to start up a business, you can purchase Individual/ family plans from the carriers listed above, qualification is based on your "health condition". I would advice you contact a broker, here in Ca. literally thousands available (I am one) I would advice interviewing several (call around) and pick someone who who mix well with.
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