There is no open enrollment period for group health insurance. You can enroll anytime during the year if you qualify. This means that you do not have to wait until open enrollment to get coverage.

Group health insurance offers coverage for employees of a company or organization. These plans typically offer insurance plans at a lower rate than employees could get when enrolling in an individual plan on their own. If you are a small business owner, you might be wondering when you can set up group health insurance for yourself and your staff. Read below to learn about qualifying for group health insurance plans and how you can get the coverage you need.

Is open enrollment the same for all companies? 

Unlike individual and family health plans, there is no open enrollment period for group health insurance. You can enroll anytime during the year if you qualify. This means that you do not have to wait until open enrollment to get coverage or opt for alternative insurance products until you become eligible for a group health plan.

Let eHealth help you find the right group insurance plan for you. Our licensed agents will assist you in finding the best plan for your needs, at a cost that fits within your budget. Once you are enrolled in a plan, we provide you with 24/7 customer support to help with renewals and claims throughout the year.

Do I qualify for group insurance enrollment?

Did you miss the open enrollment period for individual or family health insurance? If you don’t have a qualifying life event, and you don’t want use alternative insurance products (like short-term health insurance) until the next open enrollment, you may be able to qualify for group coverage.

If you have your own small business and employ at least one full-time equivalent employee, you  may be able to get coverage by enrolling in a group health insurance plan.

The rules and qualifications for enrolling in a group health insurance plan may differ based on the insurance company or the specific plan. To qualify for a group health insurance plan, you will need to have the following:

• Proof that you are a legitimate business entity (articles of incorporation/organization, business license, etc.)
• Two or more full-time employees—this includes yourself and another full-time (or full-time equivalent) employee (your spouse generally does not count)
• At least one full-time (or full-time equivalent) employee who opts to enroll in the plan
• The ability to pay at least 50% of each employee’s monthly premium

These rules should only be used as a general reference and may not be true for all group health insurance plans or health insurance companies. Consult your own tax, accounting, or legal advisor to determine your eligibility for a group health insurance plan.

Why enroll in a group health insurance plan?

Data released by the Kaiser Family Foundation in 2020 found that about half (50.03%) of the American population received benefits through a group insurance plan. Their popularity is due in large part to the numerous benefits they offer, including:

• Reduced Premiums – Since the risk is shared by a group and the cost is generally split between the employer and employee, premiums are typically lower for these types of plans.
• Deductions – You may be able to deduct the employee premiums you paid from your taxes, lowering your tax burden.
• Tax Advantages – Businesses may qualify for a small business health insurance tax credit, which can help pay for the cost of employee premiums.
• Employee Retention – Offering desirable benefits like health insurance might help you acquire higher quality workers and keep them for a longer period.
• Easier Enrollment – You can enroll in these plans any time, as opposed to the shortened open enrollment periods for individual and family plans

How does group insurance enrollment work? 

An employer chooses which group health insurance plans to offer, based on their location, budget, and needs of their employees. Employees may have a single option or multiple choices in plans that might include a health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), or another type of plan. Plans might also include metal levels (bronze, silver, gold, platinum), which indicate the cost of the plan compared to the benefits provided.  

Employees can typically enroll in a plan when they begin working for a company. Employers typically have open enrollment periods annually, which is a time when employees can switch their plan or coverage type if they choose.  

What if my employer offers an ICHRA instead of a group health plan? 

Some employers offer an individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement (ICHRA) instead of a group plan. An ICHRA allows employees to enroll in an individual plan of their choosing and get tax-free reimbursement from their company to pay for their health care costs. Like group plans, you can enroll in an ICHRA at any time of the year.

Find group insurance enrollment for your business

At eHealth, we make the search for group health insurance plans easier. Our licensed brokers offer a variety of plans in every state and provide the expertise you need to find the best options for your business. Enroll in a plan on our website, through our live chat or by phone, with no coverage fees. To compare plans in your area, check out available group health insurance plans today.