As you probably already know, offering your employees health insurance can be one of the best ways to both attract and retain the best workers. Providing a group healthcare plan also keeps workers healthier and happier, reduces the number of sick days and schedule interruptions, and inspires loyalty to your company. But of course, obtaining a group healthcare plan can be challenging for smaller businesses, for numerous reasons.
If you’re concerned about your ability to meet standard employer contribution and/or employee contribution ratios, this notice is for you: For a limited time, between November 15 and December 15, health insurance providers offer a one-month Special Open Enrollment Window (SOEW) for smaller businesses.
During this time, you can enroll yourself and employees into a healthcare plan without having to worry about the above participation requirements.
This enrollment period is required by the Affordable Care Act, so you won’t be turned away. But because the enrollment period is so limited, with only one month to take action, we definitely suggest that you get started on this task now.
You can start by talking to your employees about healthcare plans, and ask them about their opinions. Both employees and employers benefit when communication is a two-way street, and everyone is happier when their views are taken into consideration. After gathering some basic information on your company’s needs, it’s time to consult with an expert who can guide you through these decisions.
We understand you already have a group health plan, but maybe you know of another business associate who needs this information. Tell them to please give us a call, and we will discuss their situation. Then, we can help them explore their group health insurance options.