Providing health insurance for your employees is one of the most valuable benefits you can offer as a small business owner. At THAgency, we make the application process simple and straightforward. Follow this guide to secure the right coverage for your team while potentially qualifying for tax credits (up to 50% of premium costs for eligible businesses).
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Small businesses with 1-50 employees typically qualify for:
✔ Small Group Health Insurance (most common option)
✔ SHOP Marketplace Plans (if eligible for tax credits)
✔ Association Health Plans (for certain industries)
Note: 56% of small businesses qualify for subsidies but don’t apply due to lack of awareness.
Step 2: Gather Required Information
Prepare these documents before applying:
Business details (EIN, legal structure, payroll records)
Employee census (names, ages, dependents, ZIP codes)
Current coverage details (if switching plans)
Budget parameters (target premium range)
Step 3: Choose Your Plan Type
Compare these common small business options:
| Plan Type | Best For | Avg. Monthly Cost Per Employee* |
|---|
| HMO | Cost-conscious businesses | 380−380−520 |
| PPO | Flexibility seekers | 450−450−650 |
| HDHP+HSA | Tax-advantaged savings | 300−300−420 |
| POS | Balanced approach | 400−400−550 |
*Costs vary by location, group size, and coverage level
Step 4: Select Contribution Strategy
Decide how much you’ll contribute toward premiums:
50% of employee-only premium (minimum for most group plans)
Fixed dollar amount per employee (200−200−400/month common)
Tiered contributions (higher % for employee-only vs family)
Pro Tip: Businesses covering 75%+ of premiums see 32% lower turnover.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
3 ways to apply with THAgency:
Online Application (10-15 minute completion)
Phone Consultation (get expert recommendations)
In-Person Meeting (ideal for complex situations)
Step 6: Enroll Employees
After approval:
✔ Set up payroll deductions
✔ Distribute plan materials
✔ Conduct onboarding sessions
Key Deadlines to Remember
Open Enrollment: Typically November-December
New Hire Enrollment: Within 30 days of employment
Special Enrollment: Qualifying life events
Did You Know? Small businesses with <25 FTEs earning <$56,000 avg wage may qualify for SHOP tax credits worth up to 50% of premium costs.
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THAgency Makes It Easy: Our specialists handle paperwork, compare 12+ carriers, and ensure compliance—free service for employers. Start your application today in under 15 minutes.
“86% of small businesses using a broker report better plan satisfaction vs direct applications.” — National Association of Health Underwriters
