Employee Benefits for Small Businesses (Under 50)

How many employees do I need to offer a group benefits plan?

To offer a group health plan, you will need a minimum of one W-2 employee.

How much will it cost me to offer my employees benefits?

You get to decide how much to contribute! Most employers either pay a flat dollar amount per employee per month (e.g., $200 toward medical) or cover a percentage of the premium (e.g., 50% of employee-only coverage).

Am I required to offer my employees benefits?

No, employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees are not legally required to offer health insurance. However, offering benefits can be a powerful way to attract and keep great employees and stay competitive in today’s job market.

Can Bridged Benefit Solutions get me lower rates on my current plans?

In the small group market, most health insurance rates are set by law under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and are based on each employee’s age and plan choice. For example, a 25-year-old will pay less for the same plan than a 55-year-old. The rates are the same no matter which agent you work with what sets us apart is our service, education, and year-round support.

We also shop plans with multiple carriers every year to make sure you’re always getting the best rates and plan options available.

How much does it cost for me to work with Bridged Benefit Solutions?

There is no cost to you! Our commission is already built into the insurance rates and paid by the insurance companies.

What does the process look like to set up a benefits plan?

Most new medical plans can be set up in 4–6 weeks. To get started, you can complete the [CENSUS]. The insurance companies will require an application to be completed, and we will walk you through that process.  Bridged Benefit Solutions will work with your employees to explain the plans to your employees, answer their questions, and guide them through enrollment. We also provide an online enrollment platform at no cost to you, so you don’t have to chase paper forms; everything is tracked and completed electronically for a smooth, stress-free process.

What compliance requirements come with offering employee benefits?

Offering a benefits plan, even if you only have a single employee, comes with some federal requirements. Don’t worry- we guide you through these requirements and provide tools to help you stay compliant and avoid costly penalties.

Most employers must provide:

• Summary Plan Description (SPD)
• Annual Federal Notices
• Section 125 Document
• Medicare Part D Notice

There may be some additional fees for legal document templates/creation

What is COBRA coverage, and do I need to offer it?

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) is a federal law that allows employees and their dependents to continue their group health coverage for a limited time (usually 18–36 months) after they lose it due to events like termination, reduction in hours, divorce, or a dependent aging off the plan.

You are required to offer COBRA if you have 20 or more employees on 50% of your typical business days in the previous calendar year.

• Census template
• Compliance link

Branded (fillable/auto submit) spreadsheet

• Company Name
• Company Address
• Nature of Industry
• EIN 
• Employee name/Dependent name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Home zip code
• Waiving/ electing benefits

Coverages requested:

• Medical
• Dental (with/without ortho)
• Vision
• Employer-Paid Life
• Voluntary Life
• Short Term Disability (Employer-paid/Voluntary)
• Long Term Disability (Employer-paid/Voluntary)
• Other

Optional:

• Wages (if disability is requested)
• Job title (if disability is requested)
• Employer monthly contribution

Coverages requested:

• Medical
• Dental (with/without ortho)
• Vision
•  Employer-Paid Life
• Voluntary Life
• Short Term Disability (Employer-paid/Voluntary)
• Long Term Disability (Employer-paid/Voluntary)
• Other
• Desired start date (first of the month)

Included current plan documents if available.