Small business insurance plans for healthier employees

FAQs about small business health plans

Is my business eligible for group health insurance?

To be eligible to purchase and maintain group health insurance, a group account must meet specific criteria established by applicable law and Wellmark. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Your business must be headquartered in Iowa or South Dakota as confirmed on the Secretary of State’s website. (Note: Sole proprietors, public entities and some types of partnerships do not appear on the Secretary of State’s website.)
• The account must be an entity that has the legal capacity to execute a contract on behalf of its employees.
• The account must be formed for reasons other than obtaining health coverage.
• An employer/employee relationship should exist, meaning eligible individuals comprising the account are bound together for reasons of financial gain. This includes for-profit corporations, professional corporations, non-profit corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, partnerships and sole proprietorships.
• The account must have at least one full-time, common-law employee (other than the sole proprietor owner/spouse or non-bona-fide partner/spouse) enrolling in coverage. Note: If a business is a sole proprietor, neither sole proprietor nor spouse are considered common-law employees even with a W-2.
• The account must be able to perform minimal administrative functions, such as paying premiums and maintaining group enrollment.
• Wellmark requires the group’s average number of employees to be employed on business days in the preceding calendar year.

Can I offer health coverage for one employee?

Yes. If you’re purchasing coverage for at least one full-time, common-law employee, then the account qualifies as a group of one.

If you’re the owner and a common-law employee, then you’re eligible for small group coverage as a group of one. Note: If a business is a sole proprietor, neither sole proprietor nor spouse are considered common-law employees even with a W-2.

I'm looking for health insurance for my employees — where do I begin?

Get started by downloading one of our plan comparison guides. You’ll learn more about our small business health plans, broad provider network, member support and the extra benefits available with each plan.

Download the Iowa plan comparison guide

Download the South Dakota plan comparison guide

How can I compare Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield small business health insurance options in my area?

Wellmark has comprehensive health insurance plan options for you and your employees. Plans are organized by network and metallic tier to help you choose what’s best for your business.

Download the Iowa plan comparison guide

Download the South Dakota plan comparison guide

Are Wellmark’s employer plans Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant?

Yes. The ACA mandates that all non-grandfathered health insurance coverage in the small group market cover essential health benefits (EHB). These include ambulatory patient services, emergency care, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance use disorder services (including behavioral health treatment), prescription drugs, rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, laboratory services, preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management, as well as pediatric services (including oral and vision care).