Small Group Health Coverage Checklist

Here are the essential tasks associated with shopping for and purchasing health insurance for your small business. Use this checklist to keep track of where you are in the process. For additional help navigating your options or enrolling in a plan, consider contacting a broker near you who can help you consider the best plan for your business.

WHAT I NEED TO COLLECT

Get organized

Quick Overview

Organize information about your business.

  • Basic information such as the type of business, when the business started, etc.
  • Quarterly salary and wages for last two quarters.
  • Employee census information on all W2 salary employees and owners.
  • Use standard forms from agent/broker/insurer or visit www.HealthCoverageGuide.org to download the Employee Census Data form.

Draft a budget

Quick Overview
  • Calculate the total amount you can spend.
  • Calculate per-employee cost you’re willing to spend.
  • Consider cash flow issues.

Cost-sharing options

Quick Overview

Decide how costs will be shared. Here are some items to consider:

  • How much will employees contribute toward the premium?
  • How much will employees have to pay for copayments or co-insurance?

Find a broker or agent

Quick Overview
  • Learn about how brokers and agents work.
  • Ask for referrals from sources you trust.
  • Be sure to understand any fees you may be charged in addition to the health insurance premium.

Evaluate plans with your broker or agent

Quick Overview
  • Weigh the benefits against the plan costs.
  • Research the insurers:
    • Financial stability.
    • Ease of administration.
    • Overall quality of service.
  • Consider cost-saving strategies.
  • Review at least two or three health insurance carriers.
  • Review at least two or three different health insurance plan options.

Close the deal and implement the plan

Quick Overview
  • Sign the contract before the quote expires, usually in 30 days.
  • Communicate plan choices to employees.
  • Distribute and collect enrollment materials for those to be covered.
  • Copy and return all original materials for enrollment before the requested effective date.