There is no law requiring a small business to provide group health insurance to its employees. However, providing health insurance to employees can give them access to better medical coverage for themselves, their spouses and their dependents. Also, in many states, businesses receive tax deductions for health insurance-related expenses. In most states individual employees cannot be denied group coverage as long as they pay premiums and qualify as full-time employees.
Instructions
1. Qualify as a small-business group. In most states, to qualify for small-business health insurance, the business must have been operating for at least two months, and have two to 50 employees. For example, in the state of Texas, a business can qualify for group health insurance coverage if there are at least two full-time employees who work 30 hours per week.
2. Offer coverage to all eligible employees. To qualify and continue to qualify for small-business health insurance, employers must offer health insurance coverage to all full-time employees regardless of any pre-existing medical conditions, age, status or any other factors. Also, some health insurance companies may require that a certain percentage of full-time employees, such as 75 percent, elect to sign up for the small-business health insurance.
3. Require employees to select a primary physician. Often, to receive HMO care plan coverage, employees must select a primary physician who acts as intermediary between patient and medical insurance provider. This is often vital to be covered for any extensive medical care or consultations with specialty medical professionals.
