Looking to purchase group health insurance in Rhode Island?
We offer a broad selection of Rhode Island Employer Health Insurance plans from many of the leading Rhode Island health insurance companies.
Rhode Island
Small Business Health Insurance
Find group health insurance in RI
Rhode Island Group Health Insurance Made Easy with eHealth
Shop Rhode Island health insurance plans for your small business! eHealth's licensed agents can provide personalized recommendations and guidance through the application and enrollment process. Compare free quotes with no expectations to enroll and no pressure from our agents.
We're your advocate
If you ever need help dealing with the health insurance company regarding claims, billing or need any assistance, we'll be there for you.
We have the best prices
Prices are fixed by law. We will have the best prices on any health plan we sell.
We're unbiased
We will empower you with decision making tools so that you decide what health plan is best for you.
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.
| ICHRA | Group Health Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Reimbursement model | Employers 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? | No | Yes |
| Employer contribution limits | No minimums or maximums | 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 | Employers 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 eligibility | Any 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 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. | 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 | Employers 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 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 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 modelEmployers choose contribution amounts based on employee class and family size. |
Is minimum participation required?No |
Employer contribution limitsNo minimums or maximums |
Employer eligibilityEmployers of any size with at least one other employer (other than their spouse). |
Employee eligibilityAny employee classes of the employers' choosing, including part-time and seasonal workers, so long as they have minimum essential coverage. |
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. |
EnrollmentEmployers can enroll any time of the year. Employees with an ICHRA election will be offered a special enrollment period. |
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 Insurance |
Reimbursement modelEmployers 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 limitsNo. 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 eligibilityGenerally, 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 |
Coverage flexibilityEmployees have a plan or selection of plans to choose from that offer minimum essential coverage based on what the employer chooses to offer. |
EnrollmentSmall businesses can generally enroll during any time of the year. |
Tax informationGroup 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 Rhode Island health tax credit?
If you're a small business owner in Rhode Island, 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
How is a small business defined in Rhode Island for health insurance purposes?
In Rhode Island, a small business is typically defined as having 1 to 50 full-time equivalent
employees. This can vary depending on specific regulations and insurance providers.
Can small businesses in Rhode Island offer health insurance to part-time employees?
Yes, some small business health insurance plans in Rhode Island may permit employers to
extend coverage to part-time employees. However, the eligibility criteria for part-time
employees can vary based on the insurer and the specific plan. It's essential for small businesses
in Rhode Island to review the details of their chosen health insurance plan to understand the
eligibility requirements for part-time employees and ensure compliance with any applicable
state regulations. Additionally, consulting with insurance providers or brokers can provide
further clarification on the options available for offering health insurance to part-time
employees.
How much does Small Business Health Insurance cost in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, the cost of small business health insurance plans will vary based on a number of
factors, like age, gender, the number of dependents, and a few others. See free quotes from
eHealth and compare plans to find the coverage options that are right for you and your
employees.
How many employees do you need for group health insurance in Rhode Island?
To qualify for group health insurance in Rhode Island, your company typically needs at least two
employees including the owner. If you're unsure if your business qualifies for group health
insurance, eHealth's customer support team can help you find the right plan.
What types of small business health insurance plans are available in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, small businesses have access to various types of small business health insurance plans tailored
to their needs. 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) compatible with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Each type
offers different levels of coverage, network options, and cost structures, allowing businesses to
choose the plan that best suits their budget and employee needs. It's crucial for small business
owners in Rhode Island to explore these options carefully to find the most suitable health
insurance plan for their workforce.
What are the Rhode Island-specific regulations for Small Business Health Insurance?
Rhode Island-specific regulations for Small Business Health Insurance primarily revolve around
ensuring compliance with state laws governing insurance coverage. One notable regulation is
the Small Employer Health Insurance Availability Act, which mandates insurance companies
offering small group health plans to accept any eligible small employer that applies. Additionally,
Rhode Island follows federal guidelines set by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which includes
requirements for essential health benefits, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and preventive
care services. Employers in Rhode Island should familiarize themselves with these regulations to
ensure compliance when offering health insurance to their employees.
How does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) impact Small Business Health Insurance in Rhode Island?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has several implications for Small Business Health Insurance in
Rhode Island. One significant aspect is the creation of the Small Business Health Options
Program (SHOP) Marketplace, which allows small businesses to compare and purchase health
insurance plans for their employees. Additionally, the ACA mandates certain benefits and
protections in health insurance plans, including coverage for essential health benefits,
preventive services, and the prohibition of coverage denial based on pre-existing conditions.
Small businesses may also be eligible for tax credits to help offset the cost of providing health
insurance coverage to employees, incentivizing them to offer comprehensive healthcare
benefits. Overall, the ACA aims to improve access to affordable health insurance options for
small businesses and their employees in Rhode Island.
What are the consequences of not providing health insurance for employees in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, businesses that do not provide health insurance to their employees may face
certain consequences. One potential repercussion is the imposition of penalties or fines by state
authorities for non-compliance with healthcare coverage regulations. Additionally, businesses
may experience challenges in attracting and retaining employees, as comprehensive health
benefits are often considered a crucial component of overall compensation packages.
Moreover, without health insurance coverage, employees may be less likely to access necessary
medical care, which can impact their well-being and productivity. Overall, failing to offer health
insurance may have financial, recruitment, and employee satisfaction implications for
businesses operating in Rhode Island.
Are there resources or assistance programs available to help small businesses navigate health insurance in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, small businesses seeking guidance on navigating health insurance options can
avail themselves of various resources and assistance programs. The Rhode Island Department of
Labor and Training offers information and assistance related to employee benefits, including
health insurance options for businesses. Additionally, organizations like HealthSource RI, the
state's health insurance marketplace, provide support and guidance to employers looking to
offer health insurance to their employees. Nonprofit organizations and industry associations
may also offer resources, workshops, and consultations to help small businesses understand
their health insurance options and compliance requirements. By accessing these resources,
small businesses can make informed decisions and effectively navigate the complexities of
providing health insurance coverage in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Resources for Small Businesses
Business owners in Rhode Island can expand their health insurance offerings to include group dental insurance and group vision insurance. Rhode Island small business owners can also refer to the following resources about owning and operating a small business in Rhode Island:
What people are saying
You can browse plans and read articles online or call and get personalized recommendations from one of our agents. No charge, no expectations to enroll.
"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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island, eHealth has you covered.