Benefits that attract talent, control spend, and care for your team.
Group health insurance is employer-sponsored coverage for employees and often their families. By pooling risk, these plans typically offer lower premiums, broader networks, and better benefits than individual policies. Employers usually share premium costs, making coverage more affordable. Plans may include medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits. Beyond affordability, group health helps businesses attract talent, support employee wellbeing, and gain tax advantages.
Offering group health insurance isn’t just for large corporations—small businesses can also reap significant rewards:
Attract & Retain Talent – Competitive health benefits make your company stand out, helping you hire and keep skilled employees in a tight job market.
Improve Employee Wellbeing – Access to affordable care, preventive services, and wellness programs keeps your team healthier and more productive.
Boost Morale & Loyalty – Employees feel valued when their employer invests in their health, building trust and loyalty.
Tax Advantages – Employer contributions are typically tax-deductible, and employees benefit from pre-tax payroll deductions.
Cost Savings Through Group Rates – Pooling employees together spreads risk, often leading to lower premiums compared to individual policies.
Compliance & Credibility – Offering benefits helps meet ACA requirements (for applicable businesses) and demonstrates a commitment to being a responsible employer.
Group health insurance is an investment in your team’s security and your business’s long-term success.
Model | How it works | Best for | Pros | Considerations |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fully Insured | Fixed monthly premium to carrier | 2–50+ employees seeking simplicity | Predictable costs, minimal admin | Carrier retains savings; state taxes/fees apply |
Level‑Funded | Fixed monthly payment with claims fund + stop‑loss. | Healthy groups seeking refund potential | Claims transparency; surplus refunds | Potential year‑end reconciliation; eligibility varies by state |
Self‑Funded (ASO) | Employer pays claims directly with stop‑loss protection | 100+ employees or data‑driven groups | Maximum control, cash‑flow benefits | More admin, variable monthly costs |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In Michigan (and most states), you usually need at least 2 enrolled employees (sometimes up to 5, depending on the carrier). Sole proprietors without other employees often don’t qualify.
No. Employers typically pay 50–100% of the employee-only premium. Contributions for dependents are flexible and can be set as a percentage or fixed amount.
Yes. Many employers offer a “base plan” and a “buy-up plan,” or multiple plan types (like HMO and PPO) so employees can select what works best for their needs.
Standard group health covers medical, hospital, prescription drugs, preventive care, and mental health. Employers often add dental, vision, life, and disability insurance as extras.
Yes. Employer contributions are tax-deductible, and employee payroll deductions are typically made pre-tax, reducing taxable income for both.
Even small businesses with only a few employees can qualify for affordable group coverage. In some cases, tax credits may be available for very small employers (under 25 employees).
Generally 2–6 weeks, depending on the carrier, enrollment process, and whether you’re setting up for the first time or renewing.
No. Employees can waive coverage if they have other insurance (such as through a spouse or parent). Carriers require signed waiver forms in these cases.
Most plans offer COBRA or state continuation, allowing employees to keep coverage temporarily at their own expense.
Yes. Brokers/agents help with claims issues, ID cards, employee changes, compliance notices, and renewals year-round.