Connecticut Group Health Insurance & Employee Benefit Plans

It’s a safe bet that most of the people working for your Connecticut company have families to care for. Your workers are not only concerned about their own health but also about their dependents. When you provide your employees with a comprehensive health and employee benefit plans, you will help them obtain the peace of mind that comes with financial security. In turn, you will benefit from having loyal and more productive employees.

Connecticut Group Health Insurance & Employee Benefit Plans

In any company, employees seek different plans, depending on what they prioritize. A high-quality package helps boost worker morale and loyalty to your company. One of the major insurance plans that many large and small companies offer is a group health policy. If your employees don’t have to worry about the financial or medical impact of sickness or accidents, they can be more effective workers.

Connecticut Large Group Health Insurance Plans

Large employers often offer their workers a choice of health insurance plans. For example, the employee may be able to choose between an HMO, PPO, and POS. Any of these may also be formulated as an HDHP/SO (high deductible health plan with savings option). The traditional indemnity (also known as fee-for-service) programs are less popular each year.

Point of Service (POS) options are increasing, often in conjunction with high deductibles and HSAs. These trends allow workers to have greater control over their healthcare choices and costs but also require that the consumer develop a more sophisticated understanding of the rules.

A POS plan combines some aspects of both the HMO and the PPO structure. Like an HMO (health maintenance organization), a POS typically involves coordinating care through a primary care physician. That doctor refers the patient to specialists and other providers. However, more like a PPO (preferred provider organization), the POS allows the use of out-of-network medical providers, albeit at a higher cost than in-network services. Typically, an HMO only covers out-of-network care in an emergency.

Combining a POS approach with a high deductible and HSA can increase savings for both the employer and the subscriber. The employee (sometimes with help from the employer) directs pre-tax income to the HSA (health savings account), which they can then use to pay for needed medical care. HSA funds can roll over from one year to future years if not used in the year contributed and can be used for non-medical needs after retirement.

Connecticut Small Business Health Insurance Plans

Small companies are not required to offer group coverage to their workforce (if they have fifty or fewer employees). However, the ACA has some provisions to help those companies that want to. If they do, they must comply with some specific rules for small businesses. One requirement is for minimum essential coverage, which is the same as the large companies must provide.

Insurance must also be available for all workers in the company (not just managers or highly compensated staff). Finally, to receive the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, the employer contribution must be at least half of the premium cost for employees.

Small business owners should consider seeking guidance from a broker like Taylor Benefits Insurance to evaluate and compare potential plans. Small business group options are sorted into tiers with metal name identifiers to help categorize the value. Bronze plans, for example, have a lower premium but higher costs for service. In contrast, a Platinum plan will have the highest premium but a lower price when the subscriber needs to use the coverage. In between are Silver and Gold.

Connecticut Employee Group Plans and Employee Benefit Packages

Research consistently indicates that employees care intensely about the quality of their benefits packages and recognize the importance of those perks in their overall compensation. The most highly preferred plans include:

  • Health Insurance Plan

  • Paid time off (vacation, holiday, and sick leave)

  • Family leave

  • Retirement support

  • Dental and vision insurance

  • Flexible working schedules

  • Childcare support

If a company can provide most of those, it should be competitive with other employers in attracting and retaining top talent. In tight labor markets, some companies like to stand out by adding to the package.

Tech businesses are well-known for benefits that pamper their workers (and encourage them to remain in the office). Examples include free food, onsite fitness facilities, concierge service, and recreational opportunities like ping pong and happy hours. However, recently more employees have expressed a preference for the flexibility to determine their work location and seem willing to forego the food and other onsite enticements.

Health Insurance and Benefit Plan Options for You to Consider

  • Group Health Insurance
  • Group Dental Insurance
  • Group Vision Insurance
  • Group Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Group 401(k)
  • Group Retirement and Pension
  • Section 125 Cafeteria
  • HSA and FSA
  • HMO and PPO
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Group Long Term Care
  • Medicare
  • Workman’s Compensation
  • ACA (Affordable Care Act)
  • Unemployment Plans
  • Connecticut large group health insurance

Things to Keep in Mind While Getting Group Health Insurance

Let’s take a look at the factors you need to consider before getting Connecticut large group health insurance for your employees.

Types of Connecticut health insurance

Before you commit to a particular insurance policy, it’s crucial that you investigate the available insurance programs. Many companies offer an HMO or PPO plan.

A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) is a network of healthcare service providers that subscribers can access through referrals from a primary care physician. Typically, a PPO will offer a selection of doctors, hospitals, and other services within a geographic area. With a PPO, your employees can choose to obtain care from a doctor not included in the network, but if they do, the cost will be greater.

In contrast, with an HMO, the subscribers must use the doctors and medical institutions included in the plan.

List of Participating Facilities

When you offer insurance using a PPO or HMO structure, you will find out which hospitals and clinics are available to subscribers. It’s advantageous for the employees to use the providers that are covered. Before you choose a plan, ensure that the HMO or PPO includes the ones your employees want.

Quality of Service and Features

Connecticut health insurance coverage options don’t just specify the amount of money the subscriber is allowed for services; it also includes service limits. Thanks to the ACA, insurers are no longer allowed to exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, but it’s important to ensure that other vital benefits are included. 

Key Features of Small Business Health Insurance Plans

Highlighted below are a few common features of a Group Health Insurance policy.

  • Subscribers don’t have to pay upfront for the medical services they need. Instead, in many cases, the hospital or doctor submits billing to the insurance company, which settles the bills directly.

  • Depending on the coverage offered, subscribers may also find they don’t have to pay for follow-up visits, post-surgical rehabilitation, and necessary medication.

Benefits of Group Health Insurance for Employers

The good thing about small business health insurance is that it is beneficial for employers as well as employees. Companies providing group plans may enjoy some of these advantages:

Tax Savings

Connecticut small businesses providing group health coverage to employees receive a tax deduction for the share of the premium that they pay. In addition, depending on the company’s size and average wages, the company may qualify for a tax credit. 

Happy Employees

It is a stressful world, and it can be challenging for people to maintain a steady and healthy lifestyle. While group insurance provided by small business owners cannot prevent accidents or illness, it can help the employees financially. Most employees feel better when they know that their organization has got their back by providing health coverage.

Group health insurance is a contributor to workers’ financial security and confidence. When small businesses support employee wellness and health, they get happy employees. This, in turn, will contribute to a happier environment.

Retain Quality Talent

Company culture and salary are two of the factors that employees often prioritize when they consider a job offer. However, the availability and quality of health insurance and other plans are trending as important factors in the evaluation. Providing high-quality insurance may give your organization the boost it needs to attract and retain the talented workers you need to succeed. 

Improves Goodwill

These days, it is crucial for a small business to have a good reputation inside and outside the organization. Offering group health coverage will enhance your company’s credibility as a good corporate citizen and a valued member of the business community.

Benefits of Group Health Insurance for Employees

Group health insurance makes it affordable for employees to take care of themselves and their spouse or family members by enrolling in your insurance policy. Apart from the health benefits, check out the other advantages that the employees can enjoy from group health plans offered by small business owners.

The Right Motivational Tool

High-quality health insurance coverage can be a great motivational tool for employees. Connecticut essential coverage insurance can make employees feel more valued. This, in turn, increases their productivity and engagement. Offering affordable Connecticut health insurance is an excellent way to promote dedication and worker satisfaction.

Easier Claims

For people with individual health insurance, the claims process can be frustrating and lengthy. Sometimes the subscriber must pay for the services and then seek reimbursement from the insurer. That can be challenging, particularly if the service is expensive. But with an employer-sponsored group coverage plan, most included services are paid directly by the insurer, with no need for the employee to worry. Of course, they may receive a bill for anything not covered.

Health Coverage for Families

Managing individual health insurance within the family when each has coverage from different providers can be a hassle. But with a group health plan, your dependents will be included in one network plan. Hence, an employee can easily support their family using small business health insurance plans.

Relevant Statistics

  • Over 75% of employers in Connecticut offer group health insurance to their employees.
  • The average monthly premium for a family on a group health insurance plan in Connecticut is $850.
  • Approximately 95% of Connecticut residents who have health insurance are covered through a group plan.
  • More than 50% of small businesses in Connecticut provide group health insurance options for their employees.
  • On average, employers in Connecticut contribute 85% towards the premium costs of their employees’ group health insurance plans.

General Facts

  • Connecticut requires businesses with 50 or more full-time employees to offer group health insurance.
  • Group health insurance in Connecticut is regulated by the state’s Insurance Department.
  • Employers in Connecticut can choose between different types of health insurance plans, such as HMOs and PPOs.
  • Group health insurance typically offers lower premiums compared to individual health insurance.
  • In Connecticut, group health insurance plans often include coverage for preventive care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and other essential medical services.

Taylor Benefits Insurance Agency’s Group Health Plan

Here at Taylor Benefits Insurance Agency, we work with the most reputable and dependable insurance companies in the nation. With our large network of carriers and agents, we’re able to present you with the best plans, benefits, and programs for small to corporate businesses.

We find these employee plans and health plans at lower rates and premiums by engaging our reliable insurance carriers. We have 25 years of insurance industry experience, and we’ve sharpened our negotiating skills to help us obtain the best deals for our customers.

Our insurance brokers will discuss your options with you before helping you create the right plan for your business. After tailoring your plan, they’ll negotiate the cost to get you the lowest possible premiums and rates.

They’ll also make sure that your plan complies with the requirements listed in the Affordable Care Act so your business can qualify for yearly tax breaks and avoid government penalties. Call today and secure affordable health insurance, and we’ll even offer you a FREE estimate for your services!

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance And Employee Benefit Plans in Connecticut

How Do Large Group Health Insurance Plans work in Connecticut?

Large group health insurance plans in Connecticut operate similarly to how they do elsewhere in the United States. They are simple to deal with and offer the essential security and advantages that an employee needs in a firm of 50 or more employees. A large group health plan is a bargain since it allows a company to obtain adequate insurance at a lesser cost.

In Connecticut, What Is Considered a Small Business Group for Health Insurance Plans?

The ACA definition of a small business is a company with up to 50 employees. These organizations are not required to offer insurance according to the ACA. However, smaller companies may want to provide it as a benefit, and SHOP (Small Business Healthcare Options Program) can help these companies identify feasible plans.

What Are the Different Types of Benefits Offered in Connecticut?

Los Angeles Group Health Insurance

There are different types of benefits an employee can enjoy in Connecticut. This includes:

  • HSA
  • Life Insurance
  • Long Term Care
  • Health Insurance
  • Affordable Care Act
  • Vacation Options
  • Unemployment Plans 
  • 401k
  • Retirement and Pension
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Short And Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Section 125 Cafeteria

What Percent of Health Insurance is Paid by Employers?

The employer and the individual employee share the cost of individual health insurance. The ACA requires large employers to ensure that each individual worker’s cost is less than 9.12 percent of their income. That limit isn’t applicable to dependent coverage or small company workers.

Often, a business will offer its workforce a choice of plans, with one falling into the required cost limit and one which may offer a more comprehensive package at a higher cost.

Written by Todd Taylor

Todd Taylor

Todd Taylor oversees most of the marketing and client administration for the agency with help of an incredible team. Todd is a seasoned benefits insurance broker with over 35 years of industry experience. As the Founder and CEO of Taylor Benefits Insurance Agency, Inc., he provides strategic consultations and high-quality support to ensure his clients’ competitive position in the market.



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