Comprehensive Employee Benefits and Group Health Insurance Solutions in New Jersey

For over 25 years, Taylor Benefits has provided satisfied clients with group health insurance plans to fit their needs. Each program is custom designed to best benefit each client. Since Taylor Benefits works with all major insurers in NJ, we craft a health plan that meets your needs instead of trying to fit you into a pre-packaged policy. 

New Jersey has a strong record when it comes to health care. Over 300,000 residents have signed up for unlimited access to health care coverage under the ACA, and it is one of the few states that adopted an individual insurance mandate after the federal mandate was repealed in 2019. This is great news for those seeking collective plans in the great state of New Jersey.

Large Team Health Benefits Programs

Large employers with a responsibility to provide large team health insurance (SHOP plan) to their employees have the flexibility to determine what type of coverage they offer, as long as it meets the ACA standards. Those requirements include affordability and minimum essential benefits. The company can offer one option or several. The cheapest assurance must be designed to pay at least sixty percent of the anticipated costs for the subscriber, and the premium charged to the worker can’t exceed 9.12 percent of their gross pay.

The employer can decide between service structures, choosing a traditional indemnity package, an HMO, PPO, or a Point of Service option. If the employer has more than one option, it can offer the same subsidy for each, even if that means the employee would pay more for some packages. But at least one must satisfy the affordability standard.

Small Business Healthcare Coverage Plans

Small businesses that offer employees health insurance may be hesitant to consider self-funded programs due to the risk of high claims. Still, self-funding can provide the business with savings, flexibility, and improved cash flow, making it attractive to small companies as well as larger firms. Some employers are opting for a blended version called level funding.

Small business health combines a small portion of self-funding with a stop-loss policy to reduce exposure to large claims. The approach can deliver the anticipated savings but protect small employers from potentially catastrophic losses.

New Jersey Employee Provisions and Work Benefits Packages

In New Jersey, full-time employees are entitled to up to forty hours of paid sick leave annually. Employees are also allowed up to twelve weeks of paid family leave which can be used in connection with the birth or adoption of a child or other reasons related to family illness or domestic violence. In addition, the NJ Family Leave Act provides for twelve unpaid weeks of leave in a 24-month period for similar reasons. New Jersey is one of seventeen states that require insurers to cover the cost of fertility treatments for covered dependents needing reproductive assistance.

New Jersey is a competitive job market, and as a result, employers understand the value of a robust benefits package. In addition to required sick leave and family leave, many companies add vacation pay to the benefits program.

In some cases, businesses are moving toward a policy that provides a bucket of paid time off that the employee can use for whatever purpose they need, whether that is vacation time, personal days, illness, or some other reason. These policies either specify the number of hours available or opt for “unlimited” time off, which is always subject to approval by the employee’s manager.

New Jersey is one of several states that have recently enacted laws requiring or encouraging employers to establish retirement savings plans for their employees. The NJ Secure Choice Savings Program requires participation by employers with 25 or more workers. It allows the participants to generally enroll in a state-run Individual Retirement Account, funded by payroll deduction with pre-tax credit contributions.

The following services are offered by Taylor Benefits to all clients:

As an independent health assurance provider, Taylor Benefits can provide custom plans not limited by insurance company policies or state mandates. Pick and choose the healthcare services your staff needs to be successful! In addition, essential health care benefits, which must be included in every package can be viewed here, courtesy of the federal government.

George Washington Bridge at Sunrise

We offer free, no-obligation consultations. Learn which policies and packages work best for your crew by contacting us online. New Jersey’s state motto of “Liberty and Prosperity” is aligned with our goal to offer our clients the freedom to choose their health care programs.

Learn more about workplace offering packages in New Jersey.

Relevant Statistics

  • Approximately 85% of employers offer collective healthcare protection to their teams.
  • The average annual premium for a team medical insurance plan is $6,500 per employee.
  • Over 90% of residents who are employed have access to employer-sponsored health benefits.
  • More than 75% of small businesses with less than 50 workers provide group medical insurance coverage.
  • The New Jersey corporate health protection market has grown by more than 20% in the past five years.

General Facts

  • New Jersey requires employers with 2 or more crew members to offer team healthcare coverage.
  • Business healthcare insurance provides coverage for a group of individuals, such as employees of a company.
  • Employers typically share the cost of collective healthcare premiums with their staff members.
  • Group medical protection plans often offer more comprehensive coverage compared to individual programs.
  • New Jersey law prohibits discrimination based on pre-existing conditions when offering group health protection.

New Jersey and the ACA

New Jersey residents benefit greatly from the provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is sometimes still called Obamacare. Medicaid has been expanded since Obamacare’s inception. The state of New Jersey benefits from higher subsidies as well, which means the ACA has contributed to more widespread health coverage. Larger subsidies combined with a higher percentage of insured residents mean that the employer contribution can provide more coverage for more affordable rates.

Taylor Benefits can provide better group coverage within the state than it could if your company was located in another state. This is great news for New Jersey residents.

To learn more about the health protection offered by the State of New Jersey regarding consumer information, please see this resource from the NJ Department of Banking & Insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Protection and Employee Provisions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about health benefits in New Jersey:

Which Large Group Health Insurance Providers Are in New Jersey?

In addition to providing team health protection, Taylor Benefits can connect you to some of the nation’s most reputable providers and any other information you need about benefits programs. Over the years, we have proven that we can always find you a great deal on large team coverage programs.

Below is a list of the benefits providers we work with:

  • HCSC Group
  • Blue Shield
  • eHealthInsurance
  • Coventry Corp. Group
  • HIP Insurance Group Humana Group
  • Kaiser Foundation Group
  • Unitedhealth Group
  • Carefirst Inc. Group
  • UHC
  • Blue Cross
  • State Farm
  • Metropolitan Group

How Do Small Business Collective Healthcare Insurance Plans Work?

Small businesses don’t have an ACA obligation to provide sponsored health assurance. If your company wants to offer protection coverage, simply choose from these four structures, depending on which matches your needs:

Indemnity Health Insurance Plans

Members of indemnity packages are generally able to choose any direct primary care doctor or hospital (Sanitas Medical Center, Everside Health, R-Health, formerly Paladina Health) to treat them for their medical needs. Insurance companies pay a set percentage of the bill. Some employees may be required to pay for some services upfront and then apply for reimbursement from their protection provider.

HSA-Qualified Health Protection Plans

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are typically used with PPO plans. A health savings account allows its members to set aside money – before taxes – for future medical expenses. However, the plan must meet the IRS’ requirements for a high deductible in order for subscribers to qualify for the HSA.

PPO Healthcare Policies

Many medical protection packages are structured as preferred provider organizations or PPOs. For subscribers to receive the most financial benefit, they must seek care from a provider within the network. Members can use services outside the network but will incur additional cost.

HMO Health Insurance Plans

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are health benefits programs that provide health care services through a network of providers that exclusively contract with them or accept their membership. HMO plan participants are typically required to select a primary care physician (“PCP”) to oversee most of their health care and refer them to specialists if necessary. Often an HMO subscriber isn’t covered for care obtained outside the HMO unless it’s for an emergency.

What Are the Different Types of Health Benefits Offered?

New Jersey companies and eligible employees can take advantage of the following benefits packages offered by Taylor Benefits Agency:

  • health coverage
  • retirement & pension
  • section 125 cafeteria
  • HSA
  • life insurance
  • long term care
  • ACA (Affordable Care Act)
  • Disability insurance, both short and long term
  • 401k
  • dental coverage
  • vision insurance

How Much Do Employers Pay for Health Coverage?

The cost of health insurance is rising in New Jersey, as it is across the country. Large employers must offer an affordable policy to their workers. The ACA definition of affordable provides that the employees’ premiums can’t be more than 9.12 percent of their gross income for a bronze-level plan.

What is group health insurance?

Group health insurance is a policy purchased by an employer to cover a group of employees. It provides medical coverage to all members under one plan, typically at a lower cost than individual health insurance. Group health insurance often includes benefits like preventive care, emergency services, and prescription drug coverage.

How does group insurance differ from individual insurance?

Group insurance differs from individual insurance in that it covers a group of people under a single policy, typically offered through employers. This type of insurance often has lower premiums and better coverage due to the collective bargaining power of the group. Individual insurance, on the other hand, is purchased by individuals to cover themselves and their dependents.

What is the main advantage of group insurance for businesses in New Jersey?

The main advantage of group insurance for businesses in New Jersey is cost savings. By pooling employees together, businesses can access more affordable rates compared to individual plans. Group insurance also helps attract and retain top talent, enhances employee satisfaction, and provides comprehensive coverage options for employees.

Who is covered under a group health insurance plan?

Employees and sometimes their dependents are covered under a group health insurance plan. Employers typically offer this benefit to their workers as part of their compensation package. Group health insurance plans can also extend coverage to retirees, providing a valuable safety net for a broader range of individuals.

What is considered a large group for health insurance in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, a large group for health insurance is typically defined as a business with 51 or more full-time employees. Large groups often have more bargaining power and options for health insurance plans compared to smaller businesses.

What type of insurance is most commonly used for group plans?

Health insurance is the most commonly used type of insurance for group plans. It provides coverage for medical expenses and is typically offered by employers to their employees as part of their benefits package. Group health insurance helps ensure that employees have access to healthcare services when needed.

Which of the following is typically not eligible for coverage in a group health policy?

In a group health policy, cosmetic procedures, experimental treatments, and pre-existing conditions are typically not eligible for coverage. These exclusions are common in group health plans to manage costs and ensure coverage for essential medical needs.

What is the difference between a PPO and an HMO in group health insurance?

The main difference between a PPO and an HMO in group health insurance lies in their provider networks. PPOs offer more flexibility with out-of-network coverage, while HMOs typically require members to choose a primary care physician and get referrals for specialists within their network.

What is the difference between a small group and a large group in New Jersey health insurance?

In New Jersey health insurance, the main difference between a small group and a large group lies in the number of employees covered. Small groups typically have 2-50 employees, while large groups have 51 or more. This impacts premium rates, coverage options, and regulatory requirements.

What is the best health insurance plan for small businesses in New Jersey?

The best health insurance plan for small businesses in New Jersey typically includes options from well-known providers like Taylor Benefits Insurance, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna. These plans offer comprehensive coverage, competitive rates, and access to a wide network of healthcare providers, making them popular choices among small businesses in the state.

What are the tax benefits for offering group health insurance in New Jersey?

Offering group health insurance in New Jersey can provide tax benefits for employers, including tax deductions for premiums paid, potential tax credits, and tax-free contributions to employee accounts. These benefits can help businesses save money while providing valuable healthcare coverage to their employees.

What are the penalties for not offering mandatory benefits in New Jersey?

Employers in New Jersey who fail to offer mandatory benefits such as workers’ compensation, paid sick leave, and disability insurance may face penalties such as fines, back pay, and potential legal action. It is crucial for businesses to comply with state regulations to avoid these consequences.

What are the options for dental and vision coverage in New Jersey health insurance plans?

New Jersey health insurance plans offer various options for dental and vision coverage, including standalone plans, add-on options, and comprehensive packages. These plans may include coverage for routine check-ups, cleanings, vision exams, and eyeglasses. Make sure to review your plan’s specifics for details on coverage levels and costs.

 

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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