Georgia
Small Business Health Insurance

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eHealth can help with health reimbursement arrangements

Individual Contribution Health Reimbursement Arrangement, also known as ICHRA, offers many advantages over traditional group plans. ICHRA may be right for you if you want greater control of costs while giving your employees more flexibility in choosing their ideal health plan.
ICHRAGroup Health Insurance
Reimbursement modelEmployers choose contribution amounts based on employee class and family size.Employers offer a plan, or a selection of plans to employees - and if the employer chooses - their employees' families.
Is minimum participation required?NoYes
Employer contribution limitsNo minimums or maximumsNo. However, in order to be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, employers must contribute 50% or more of the cost of premiums for all full-time employees.
Employer eligibilityEmployers of any size with at least one other employer (other than their spouse).Generally, small employers with 1-50 employees are eligible for SHOP. Employers of any size can offer group coverage.
Employee eligibilityAny employee classes of the employers' choosing, including part-time and seasonal workers, so long as they have minimum essential coverage.Any employee classes of the employers' choosing
Coverage flexibilityEmployees choose their health insurance plan and what healthcare purchases they make so long as they are qualifying expenses. If they choose to leave the company, they can keep their current plan.Employees have a plan or selection of plans to choose from that offer minimum essential coverage based on what the employer chooses to offer.
EnrollmentEmployers can enroll any time of the year. Employees with an ICHRA election will be offered a special enrollment period.Small businesses can generally enroll during any time of the year.
Tax informationICHRA reimbursements are not taxed to the employee. However, if an employee accepts an ICHRA offer they cannot receive premium tax credits.Group health plan contributions are generally not taxed to the employee. However, in order to offer a SHOP plan the employer must be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit - which means they must contribute 50% or more of full time employees' premiums.
ICHRA

Reimbursement model

Employers choose contribution amounts based on employee class and family size.

Is minimum participation required?

No

Employer contribution limits

No minimums or maximums

Employer eligibility

Employers of any size with at least one other employer (other than their spouse).

Employee eligibility

Any employee classes of the employers' choosing, including part-time and seasonal workers, so long as they have minimum essential coverage.

Coverage flexibility

Employees choose their health insurance plan and what healthcare purchases they make so long as they are qualifying expenses. If they choose to leave the company, they can keep their current plan.

Enrollment

Employers can enroll any time of the year. Employees with an ICHRA election will be offered a special enrollment period.

Tax information

ICHRA reimbursements are not taxed to the employee. However, if an employee accepts an ICHRA offer they cannot receive premium tax credits.

Group Health Insurance

Reimbursement model

Employers offer a plan, or a selection of plans to employees - and if the employer chooses - their employees' families.

Is minimum participation required?

Yes

Employer contribution limits

No. However, in order to be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, employers must contribute 50% or more of the cost of premiums for all full-time employees.

Employer eligibility

Generally, small employers with 1-50 employees are eligible for SHOP. Employers of any size can offer group coverage.

Employee eligibility

Any employee classes of the employers' choosing

Coverage flexibility

Employees have a plan or selection of plans to choose from that offer minimum essential coverage based on what the employer chooses to offer.

Enrollment

Small businesses can generally enroll during any time of the year.

Tax information

Group health plan contributions are generally not taxed to the employee. However, in order to offer a SHOP plan the employer must be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit - which means they must contribute 50% or more of full time employees' premiums.

To learn more about your options, call 1-, or click here to get a quote.

Does your small business qualify for Georgia health tax credit?

If you're a small business owner in Georgia, you may qualify for a tax credit that could cover some of the costs you pay for employees' premiums. If you qualify, eHealth can help you obtain your tax credit and find a small business health insurance plan that works best for you and your employees.
Number of full-time workers the company employs is within

25

Average annual wage per worker must be less than

$50,000

Minimum employer contribution toward employee coverage is

50%

If you are a small business owner with 25 full-time employees or less, and pay an average salary less than or equal to $50,000 a year, you might be eligible for a tax credit.* This tax credit was created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in order to give small businesses and tax-exempt organizations a break on the cost of group health insurance for their employees.

The federal tax credit will reimburse qualifying small businesses for up to 50% of the premiums they pay towards employee medical, vision and dental insurance. Tax-exempt organizations may qualify for a tax credit of up to 35% of premium expenses.

*In some states, the tax credit only applies to Qualifying Health Plans (QHPs) bought through government exchanges. Other restrictions may apply.

Small businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees that pay average annual wages of $25,000 or less may qualify for the full credit. The amount of the credit is reduced for companies with more full-time workers and higher wages, until it is phased out entirely for those with 25 or more full-time workers and average annual wages over $50,000.

Because eligibility rules are based in part on the number of full-time employees, not the total number of all employees, businesses that use part-time help may qualify even if they employ more than 25 individuals.

This article is for general information and is not tax, accounting, or legal advice. Please consult a tax, accounting, or legal advisor for advice on your specific situation.

Frequently asked questions

Do small employers have to offer health insurance in Georgia?

In Georgia, all employers with 50 or more full-time employees are required to offer some form of health insurance benefit. Once you have 50 employees, you are considered a large employer. This means that you may face penalties if you do not offer health insurance. All Georgia business with fewer than 50 full-time employees are not required to provide health benefits to employees at this time.
Georgia group health insurance starts for as little as about $167.10 and averages at $447.70 per employee.* Actual prices will vary based on age, gender, and a number of other factors. Get a free quote and compare coverage options to find a plan that suits your needs.
* *This is based on the lowest-price plan available from eHealth in Georgia, but actual prices available depend on zip code, age, gender, and other factors. Get a personalized quote to see what may be available for you.
In Georgia, self-employed individuals may be eligible to access group health insurance through certain professional or industry associations. These associations often offer group plans with competitive rates and tailored benefits, providing an affordable alternative to individual coverage. By joining these associations, self-employed individuals can leverage collective purchasing power and gain access to comprehensive health insurance options that suit their needs. However, eligibility requirements and coverage may vary, so it's essential to research and consider joining relevant associations to explore these options.
In Georgia, various types of small business health insurance plans are available to meet the diverse needs of employers and their employees. These options typically include traditional group health insurance plans, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) paired with HealthSavings Accounts (HSAs). Each type offers distinct features and benefits, allowing small businesses to select the plan that best aligns with their budget, coverage requirements, and employee preferences. By exploring the types of small business health insurance available, employers can make informed decisions to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for their workforce.
In Georgia, small businesses offering health insurance to their employees must adhere to certain state-specific regulations and requirements. While Georgia does not mandate that employers provide health insurance to their employees, businesses that do offer coverage must comply with state laws regarding plan benefits, premiums, and eligibility criteria. Additionally, Georgia follows federal regulations set forth by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which include provisions such as coverage for essential health benefits and preventive care services. Employers should also be aware of any state-specific guidelines for insurance carriers operating in Georgia, as these may impact plan offerings and pricing. By understanding and complying with Georgia- specific regulations, small businesses can ensure that their health insurance plans meet legal requirements and provide adequate coverage for their employees.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has significant implications for small business health insurance in Georgia. One of the primary impacts is the establishment of the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), which enables small businesses with up to 50 employees to access group health insurance plans through the marketplace. The ACA also introduces certain requirements for employer-sponsored health insurance, such as coverage for essential health benefits, preventive care services with no cost-sharing, and adherence to certain affordability and coverage standards. Additionally, the ACA provides tax credits to eligible small businesses that offer health insurance to their employees, making coverage more affordable. However, it's essential for Georgia small businesses to stay informed about any changes to ACA regulations and requirements to ensure compliance and maximize available benefits for both employers and employees.
Yes, small businesses in Georgia typically have the flexibility to offer different health insurance plans to different employees. Employers can tailor their health insurance offerings based on factors such as employee status (full-time vs. part-time), job role, tenure, or other qualifying criteria. This flexibility allows businesses to provide customized benefits that meet the diverse needs and preferences of their workforce. For example, employers may offer different plan options with varying coverage levels, deductibles, or premium contributions to accommodate individual employee needs. By offering a range of health insurance plans, businesses can effectively address the unique healthcare requirements of their employees while promoting employee satisfaction and retention.
In Georgia, businesses are not legally required to provide health insurance to their employees. However, there are potential consequences for businesses that choose not to offer health insurance. One significant consequence is the possibility of facing challenges in attracting and retaining top talent. Many job seekers consider health insurance benefits as a crucial factor when evaluating potential employment opportunities. Additionally, businesses may miss out on tax benefits and incentives available for employers who offer health insurance coverage to their employees. While there are no direct penalties for not providing health insurance in Georgia, businesses should carefully weigh the implications of their decision on employee recruitment, retention, and overall workforce satisfaction.
Yes, there are resources and assistance programs available to help small businesses navigate health insurance in Georgia. The Georgia Department of Insurance offers information and resources on health insurance regulations, options, and enrollment assistance. Additionally, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provides guidance and resources for small businesses, including information on health insurance options and the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. Nonprofit organizations such as the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) may also offer support and educational resources on health insurance for small businesses. Furthermore, insurance brokers and agents specializing in small business health insurance can provide personalized assistance and guidance tailored to the needs of individual businesses.
Yes, under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), employees in Georgia who leave their job may have the option to continue their group health insurance coverage for a limited time, typically at their own expense. COBRA allows eligible employees and their dependents to maintain the same group health insurance coverage they had while employed, even after leaving their job, experiencing a reduction in work hours, or other qualifying events. However, individuals electing COBRA coverage are responsible for paying the full premium cost, including the portion previously covered by their employer, plus an administrative fee. COBRA coverage generally lasts for up to 18 or 36 months, depending on the qualifying event.

Georgia Resources for Small Businesses

Business owners in Georgia can expand their health insurance offerings to include group dental insurance and group vision insurance. Georgia small business owners can also refer to the following resources about owning and operating a small business in Georgia:

What people are saying

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"Before working with eHealth I thought buying group health insurance would be difficult. I didn't expect it to be as EASY as eHealth made it. My advice, work with eHealth - it's easy."
- MS Glass LLC, Texas
"As a busy business owner, I needed eHealth to advise me and handle my group health insurance details. eHealth is an invaluable resource. Health insurance doesn't have to be complicated. Need help? call eHealth!"
- Tabatha, Nevada

Find a Georgia group health insurance plan

Whether you are looking for the perfect group dental, group vision, small business health insurance, or group health insurance plan in Georgia, eHealth has you covered.