As a small business owner, you are generally not required to offer vision insurance to your employees. But just because it isn't a requirement, doesn't mean there aren't good reasons to include vision insurance in your benefits package.

Surveys have shown that many workers value benefits like health and vision insurance more than a pay raise. By offering group vision insurance to your employees, you may find it easier to hire and retain the best workers for your small business. You can also choose to bundle vision in with health and dental insurance, which may lead to better prices, and will provide your employees with a valuable benefits package that better encompasses their whole health.

Small business vision insurance is a great way to save on premiums per individual, but you have to meet a few criteria in order to get group vision insurance:

• You must be able to provide documented proof of being a legitimate business entity (e.g. articles of incorporation/organization, business license)
• Your small business must consist of one full-time employee besides yourself or a spouse (and they must be choosing to enroll in the group dental plan)
• You must be capable of meeting the minimum employer contribution set by the insurance company which your plan comes from

Buying group vision insurance through eHealth does not come at any extra cost to you. If you buy a vision plan through eHealth, you will pay the regular monthly premium set by the insurance company, and it will be the same price for that plan on their website as ours.

Using an web-based entity like eHealth, you will find a wide selection of vision plans from different companies, free quotes, and assistance from licensed agents. If you have any questions about your small business' eligibility or what type of vision plans are available, visit eHealth.com to compare plans, or call a licensed representative Mon-Fri, 9AM - 7PM EST at 1-877-456-6670.

There are two main types of vision insurance plans that you can buy for your group:

• Optional rider vision insurance: This is vision insurance that you can add onto a regular group health insurance plan. Usually you pay a monthly premium for this vision plan, and those insured under the group insurance policy have access to a fixed-dollar amount of services.
• Ancillary vision plan: This type of vision plan gives a fixed discount on all vision-related expenses (for example, the insurance company pays 30% and you pay 70% out-of-pocket). This is usually added on to a health insurance plan for an additional fee.

You can offer vision as an add-on to your health insurance plan. With add-ons like vision insurance and dental insurance, you can build a total benefits package for yourself and your employees, without making things complicated.

Small businesses can obtain group vision insurance for their employees through a number of channels, including insurance brokers, online insurance marketplaces, and directly from insurance carriers. When shopping for group vision insurance, it is important for small businesses to consider the needs of their employees and the level of coverage they want to provide.

Small businesses can purchase group vision insurance at any time of the year, unlike health insurance, which typically has an annual open enrollment period. However, some insurance carriers may require a minimum number of employees or a certain level of participation in order to qualify for group rates.

Some things to consider when selecting a group vision insurance plan include the range of services covered, the cost of premiums and co-pays, the network of providers, and the level of customer support offered by the insurance carrier. By taking the time to carefully evaluate their options, small businesses can select a group vision insurance plan that meets the needs of their employees and their budget.

The number of employees needed to qualify for group vision insurance varies by insurance carrier. Some carriers may require as few as two employees to qualify, while others may require at least five. Additionally, the more employees you have enrolled in the plan, the better rates you may be able to secure. However, some carriers may require a larger minimum group size, or may offer different plan options based on the size of the group.

Yes, many insurance carriers offer group dental and vision insurance plans that can be paired together. This can be a cost-effective way to provide your employees with comprehensive coverage for their oral and vision health. This can help employees save money on routine dental and vision care, and can also help encourage them to seek preventive care in order to maintain good oral and eye health.

When selecting a group vision and dental insurance package, it is important for small businesses to consider the specific needs of their employees, as well as the cost of premiums and deductibles. By offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes both vision and dental insurance, small businesses can provide a valuable benefit to their employees that can help promote good health and wellness.

In conclusion, group vision insurance plans can be a valuable benefit for small businesses looking to attract and retain employees, while also promoting good eye health and preventing vision problems. By carefully evaluating their options and selecting a plan that meets the needs of their employees and their budget, small businesses can offer a comprehensive benefits package that can help set them apart in a competitive job market. By offering this benefit as part of your benefits package, you can attract and retain top talent while also providing your employees with affordable access to eye care services. If you are a small business owner interested in offering group vision insurance to your employees, contact your insurance broker to learn more about your options.