How do I get started with employee benefits?
*This post applies to small businesses only (under 50 employees).
Right now you're looking to set up benefits for your employees. Now, how do you make it happen? Also, are you eligible to get group health insurance? We set up a checklist to get you started.
The list can seem daunting at first, but keep in mind that the set up is always the hardest. Once you're enrolled, you are good to go.
Most group health insurance carriers require around 75% of eligible full time employees to enroll in the group health plan you set up, unless they have a valid waiver.
A valid waiver is when an employee declines coverage because they have health insurance through one of the following:
Spouse's employer plan
Another employer (i.e. 2nd job)
Parent's employer's plan (up to age 26)
Medi-Cal
Medicare
Employees who have a valid waiver do not count into the full participation requirement. You can subtract the employees from the full time eligible employee count.
This document is your quarterly contribution return and report of wages and is typically required to apply for group health insurance. It also helps to calculate full-time eligible employees.
Like the DE9C, this document may also be required to apply for group health insurance. In some cases, if no DE9C is available yet, the carrier will allow the most recent payroll to be used. It also helps to calculate full time eligible employees.
You'll need to provide each employee's name, date of birth, and home zip code. This information is needed to get a quote (small group rates are based on age and zip code). It's also needed to get employees enrolled in the plan. If you're offering spouse and dependent coverage, we'll need their information as well.
California law requires that any company with 1 employee must have a workers' compensation insurance policy. This insurance provides compensation and benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, regardless of who was at fault.
Take some time to collect the necessary documents listed above. Once gathered, we will help start the process with you and make it as seamless as possible. You can sit back and get your employees covered!