Insurance For Employees - Health Insurance

Step 6 Purchase Health Insurance for Your Business

Offering health insurance and related coverage, like disability or life insurance, can help attract and keep employees. The Maryland Health Connection for Small Business offers options for small businesses and nonprofit organizations to offer these benefits.

Health Insurance Options through Maryland Health Connection for Small Businesses

• Maryland Health Connection for Small Business is the state’s health insurance marketplace for employers. Here, you can get estimates, compare plans, and get free help from brokers to enroll employees.
• Why It Matters: Health insurance is a valuable benefit that helps recruit and retain employees, especially for small businesses.
• Requirements: Small businesses (2–50 employees) don’t have to offer health insurance. But if you do, you may qualify for federal tax credits.
• How to Enroll:
  
  1. Visit the Maryland Health Connection Small Business website.
  2. Connect with a Maryland-authorized insurance broker, visit MHC for Small Business - Find Help
  3. Enroll in private health plans through the Maryland Health Connection for Small Business - Health Coverage Options

Other Types of Insurance

Group Disability Insurance

• What It Does
  Protects employees who can’t work due to a disability.
• Types
  • Short-Term Disability
    Covers part of an employee’s salary for 3-6 months if they can’t work.
  • Long-Term Disability
    Starts after an employee is disabled and can’t work for at least 6 months.
• Why It Matters
  Provides financial support for employees during tough times.

Group Life Insurance

• What It Does
  Pays a death benefit if an employee dies during the policy term.
• Options
  • Employer-Paid
    The business covers the cost.
  • Voluntary
    Employees pay for the coverage.
• Why It Matters
  Offers peace of mind for employees and their families.

Key Life Insurance

• What It Does
  Protects the business if a critical person (e.g., founder or partner) dies.
• Why It Matters
  Helps ensure the business can continue operating.

Keep Your Business Details the Same

When you buy insurance, use the same business details as your SDAT, IRS, and other registrations. This includes:

• Business Name: Use the same spelling, punctuation, and format.
• Other Details: Use the same addresses and other information.

Using the same details everywhere avoids confusion and delays.

Consult an Expert

Health and other insurance options can be complex. Work with an authorized insurance broker, attorney, or professional advisor to choose the right coverage for your business and employees.

More Resources

• Free MHC for Small Business enrollment support. Contact a Maryland authorized broker at Maryland Health Connection for Small Business
• Maryland Insurance Administration