Texas Small Business Health Plans & Insurance Solutions

We provide customized Group Health Plans for Growing Texas  Companies. If you are 1, 2, or 100 employees company we got you covered. The best health insurance for small business is the one written by a Smart Insurance Agent!

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Are you a Small Business Owner looking for a better health insurance coverage than the plans on the Marketplace?

You can enroll in a group health insurance plan in Texas for small business owners without all the hassle and paperwork required for large employers, but with the same great network of providers including PPO Platinum plans.

Want to write off your health insurance premiums pre tax? 

A group health insurance plan allows you to write off your health insurance premiums before taxes. Save on pre-tax dollar while accessing great health insurance coverage with elite hospitals and doctors in network.

Do you want health coverage in different states?

A group health insurance plan allows you to offer different health insurance plans in different states. Not only PPO plans, but HSA High Deductible plans as well. You can offer both PPO and HMO plans, as well as Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These plans are better and more affordable than the marketplace plans, most of the time.

3 Steps to Enroll in a Small Business Health Plan Texas

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01

Discover Your Perfect Fit

Kick off your journey to better health coverage! Answer a handful of friendly questions about your business and healthcare needs. It’s as simple as a friendly chat!

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Explore Your Options

Unveil a world of small business health plans tailor-made for you! Take a peek at the plans in your neck of the woods. Compare coverage choices and catch a sneak peek of what your monthly costs might look like.

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Make It Official

You’ve found the one (or ones!) that tick all the right boxes. Now comes the exciting part—getting covered! Dive into easy application options: online, email, or good old-fashioned phone call. It’s your call

Health Insurance For Small Business Owners in Texas

OptionKey FeaturesProsConsBest For
Group Health PlansEmployer-sponsored plans for small businesses (requires 2+ employees, typically).- May qualify for tax credits.
- Covers employees and dependents.
- Customizable plans.
- Pre-tax benefits.
- Costly for small businesses.
- Requires employer contributions.
- Administrative burden.
Small businesses with a few employees.
Short-Term PlansTemporary coverage for 1-12 months; limited benefits.- Low premiums.
- Quick approval.
- Flexible coverage duration.
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions.
- Limited benefits.
- Not ACA-compliant.
Short-term needs or gaps in coverage.
Marketplace PlansACA-compliant plans purchased on healthcare.gov or state marketplaces.- Subsidies available based on income.
- Comprehensive coverage.
- Cannot be denied for pre-existing conditions.
- Can be expensive without subsidies.
- Limited flexibility for off-network care.
Self-employed individuals needing full coverage.
Via SpouseJoining spouse’s employer-provided plan if offered.- Often cost-effective.
- High-quality employer-negotiated coverage.
- Relies on spouse’s employer.
- Limited options.
- May increase spouse’s premiums.
Married individuals with spousal benefits.

Health Insurance Options for Small Business OwnersTexas

1. Group Health Insurance Plans

Group health insurance plans are one of the most common options for small businesses. These plans allow employers to provide coverage to their employees, often at a lower cost than individual plans due to the pooling of risk.

a. Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)

The SHOP marketplace is specifically designed for small businesses with 1 to 50 employees. It allows business owners to compare different health insurance plans and choose the one that best fits their needs. Employers can also qualify for tax credits if they meet certain criteria.

b. Traditional Group Plans

Many insurance companies offer traditional group health insurance plans. Business owners can work with brokers to find a plan that provides comprehensive coverage, including medical, dental, and vision benefits. These plans often require the employer to pay a portion of the premium.

Texas small business insurance

2. Individual Health Insurance Plans

For small business owners who prefer not to offer group insurance, individual health insurance plans are an alternative. Employees can purchase their own plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly from insurance providers.

a. Health Insurance Marketplace

The Health Insurance Marketplace allows individuals to compare different health insurance plans and find coverage that fits their needs and budget. Employees may qualify for subsidies based on their income, making individual plans more affordable.

b. Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health insurance plans are designed to provide temporary coverage. While they can be a cost-effective solution, they often come with limited benefits and may not cover pre-existing conditions.

individual health insurance plans texas

3. Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs)

Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) are employer-funded plans that reimburse employees for qualified medical expenses. This option allows business owners to provide flexibility to their employees while controlling costs.

a. Qualified Small Employer HRA (QSEHRA)

The QSEHRA is specifically designed for small businesses that do not offer group health insurance. It allows employers to reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Health reimbursement arrangement

Why work with us?

We are a group of smart, seasoned, and independent insurance agents.

What does that mean?

Our job is to quote your group with different insurance carriers that better match your coverage needs.

Wait! Our services do not end here. As your broker, we work with you through the year to support and troubleshoot any enrollment, billing, or random questions you or your employees may have regarding the sophistiacated insurance realm.

Before the end of the calendar or plan year, when it is time for renewal, we review your renewal proposal form the insurance carrier, compare the rates with other carriers and advise you on alternative options if available. We may also recommend plan changes for savings as well. This what we do for living, so we thrive to ace it!

Small Business Health Insuraance Broker

We are licensed and experienced independent insurance brokers and will meet you where you business is in Texas.

Find small business health insurance brokers in Dallas, Austin, Texas, Houston, or San Antonio by a click of a button.

 

All what you need to know about Texas Small Business Health Insurance

What are the minimum coverage requirements for group health plans in Texas?

All small group health plans must cover the 10 essential health benefits required by the ACA:

  • Outpatient care
  • Emergency services
  • Hospitalization
  • Maternity and newborn care
  • Mental health services
  • Prescription drugs
  • Rehabilitative services
  • Laboratory services
  • Preventive care
  • Pediatric services

What is the minimum participation requirement for group health insurance in Texas?

Most insurance carriers require at least 70% of eligible employees to participate in the group plan. However, during the annual Special Enrollment Period (November 15-December 15), these participation requirements may be waived.

How many employees do I need to qualify for group health insurance in Texas

In Texas, you can qualify for small group health insurance with as few as 2 employees (including yourself if you work in the business). Generally, small group plans are available for businesses with 2-50 full-time equivalent employees.

Can I offer different coverage levels to different employees?

While you must offer the same plans to all eligible employees, you can structure different contribution levels based on clearly defined employment-based classifications (like full-time vs. part-time, or geographic location). However, these distinctions cannot discriminate based on health factors.

Are there tax benefits for offering health insurance to employees?

Yes, businesses can:

  • Deduct 100% of premium costs as a business expense
  • Save on payroll taxes for employee premiums paid through section 125 plans
  • Potentially qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit
  • Offer employees tax-free benefits

What's the difference between small group and large group health insurance in Texas?

Small group insurance in Texas covers businesses with 2-50 full-time equivalent employees, while large group covers 51+ employees. Small group plans must meet ACA requirements for essential health benefits, while large group plans have more flexibility in plan design.

When can i enroll in a group health plan?

You can enroll in a group health plan at any time during the year – there’s no restricted enrollment period for small business coverage. However, once established, employees typically enroll during:

  • Initial eligibility period (usually first 30-90 days of employment)
  • Annual open enrollment
  • Qualifying life events

Can employees pay their portion of premiums with pre-tax dollars?

Yes, by implementing a Section 125 Premium Only Plan (POP), employees can pay their portion of health insurance premiums with pre-tax dollars, reducing their taxable income and saving both employees and employers on taxes.

How much does small business health insurance cost in Texas?

The cost varies based on several factors including:

  • Number of employees
  • Average age of the group
  • Location within Texas
  • Coverage level selected
  • Carrier chosen On average, employers typically pay between 50-80% of the premium for employees, with monthly premiums ranging from $400-$800 per employee for standard plans.

Get a Free Texas Small Business Health Plans Quotes – Top Texas Carriers

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Benefits of Texas Small Business Health Plans:

Insurance plans with access to Texas best hospitals. Group Health insurance Plans in Texas provides a large in network providers in and outside the state of Texas.

Best Hospitals Austin

St David’s Medical Center

Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin

St. David’s South Austin Medical Center

Best Hospitals San Antonio

Methodist Hospital-San Antonio

Baptist Medical Center

Best Hospitals Dallas-Fort Worth

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Baylor University Medical Center

Parkland Health-Dallas

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas

Medical City Dallas

Methodist Dallas Medical Center

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth

Best Hospitals Houston

Houston Methodist Hospital

Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center

Memorial Hermann Hospital

Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center

Comparing Group Health Insurance Plans to Sana Benefits

FeatureTraditional Carriers (BCBS, UHC, Aetna)Sana Benefits
Plan TypeFully ACA-compliant insuranceLevel-funded health plan administrator
Essential Health BenefitsAll 10 required benefits coveredMay not cover all essential benefits
Coverage LimitsNo annual or lifetime limits on essential benefitsMay have coverage limits
Pre-existing ConditionsGuaranteed coverageMay have limitations
Medical Loss RatioRequired 80-85% of premiums for medical careNot subject to MLR requirements
Plan StructureTraditional insuranceSelf-funded with stop-loss insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Texas Small Business Health Plan?

A Texas Small Business Health Plan is a health insurance option designed specifically for small businesses in the state. It offers affordable coverage for employers with fewer than 50 employees

How can a Texas Small Business Health Plan benefit my company?

By offering a Small Business Health Plan, you can provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to your employees at an affordable cost. This helps attract and retain talented professionals while promoting a healthier workforce.

Can I customize a Small Business Health Plan to suit my employees' needs?

Yes, Texas Small Business Health Plans often come with multiple plan options, allowing you to choose the coverage levels and benefits that align with your employees’ needs and your budget.

Are there tax advantages associated with offering a Small Business Health Plan in Texas?

Yes, by offering a Small Business Health Plan, you may be eligible for certain tax advantages. Contributions made towards your employees’ health insurance premiums may be tax-deductible, providing potential cost savings for your business.

How do I determine which Small Business Health Plan is right for my company?

Yes, by offering a Small Business Health Plan, you may be eligible for certain tax advantages. Contributions made towards your employees’ health insurance premiums may be tax-deductible, providing potential cost savings for your business.

Can I include dental and vision coverage in a Texas Small Business Health Plan?

Yes, many Texas Small Business Health Plans offer the option to include dental and vision coverage as part of the overall plan. This can provide more comprehensive benefits to your employees.

What is the minimum number of employees required to be eligible for a Texas Small Business Health Plan?

Typically, Texas Small Business Health Plans are available for employers with fewer than 50 employees. However, it’s recommended to check with insurance carriers as eligibility requirements may vary.

Are there any subsidies or financial assistance available for Texas Small Business Health Plans?

While there may not be direct subsidies for small businesses, certain tax credits and deductions may be available. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or insurance provider to explore potential financial assistance options.

Can I switch to a different Small Business Health Plan during the year?

In most cases, switching health plans outside the open enrollment period can be challenging. However, certain life events, such as the addition of new employees or the loss of existing coverage, may qualify for a special enrollment period.

How can I find and enroll in a Texas Small Business Health Plan?

To find and enroll in a Texas Small Business Health Plan, you can work with a licensed insurance agent or broker who specializes in small business health insurance. They can guide you through the process, help you compare options, and facilitate enrollment for your company.

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