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Under 50 Employees

Under 50 Employees

Employee Benefits for Small Businesses (Under 50)

Bridged Benefit Solutions makes it easy for small businesses to offer affordable, compliant, and meaningful benefits, even if you have just one W-2 employee.

What Is Benefit Essentials?

Benefit Essentials is our done-for-you benefits package specifically designed for employers with 1-49 employees who need simplicity, support, and predictable pricing.

Your plan includes:

  • Curated medical, dental, vision, and life options
  • Online enrollment (no more paper forms)
  • Year-round employee support
  • Compliance guidance
  • Employee education
  • Claims & billing support
  • Annual renewal & plan shopping with multiple carriers
  • Local, dedicated service from a real person

This is the most straightforward and stress-free way for small businesses to offer benefits.

Employee Benefits FAQs

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

You need a minimum of one W-2 employee who is neither an owner nor a spouse to qualify for group medical coverage.

How much will it cost me to offer benefits?

You control the budget.

Most employers either:
Pay a flat dollar amount (e.g., $200 per employee per month), or
Contribute a percentage of the premium (commonly 50% of employee-only coverage).

We help you design a contribution strategy that fits your budget.

Am I required to offer benefits if I have fewer than 50 employees?

No. Businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees are not required by law to offer health insurance.

However, offering benefits helps you:

  • Attract and retain great employees
  • Reduce turnover
  • Stay competitive
  • Improve morale and company culture

Can Bridged Benefit Solutions get me lower rates?

In the small-group market, rates are regulated by the ACA and based on:

  • Employee age
  • Home ZIP code
  • Plan design

All brokers access the same rates, but what set us apart is:

  • Our service
  • Our support
  • Our education
  • Our year-round partnership
  • Our ability to shop multiple carriers for the best plans every renewal

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

There is no cost to you. Our service is 100% free.

Commissions are already built into the insurance rates and paid by the carriers. You get high-touch, personalized support at no extra cost.

What does the setup process look like?

Most medical plans can be set up in 4–6 weeks.

Here’s the simple process:

  1. Complete the Census
    • Use our branded, fillable census to submit employee information.
  2. We shop multiple carriers.
    • We compare plans from BCBSM, Priority Health, HAP, UHC, Guardian, MetLife, Unum, and more.
  3. You choose your plan(s):
    • We explain your options in plain English.
  4. Employees enroll online.
    • We provide an online enrollment system at no cost. No paper. No manual tracking.
  5. You get ongoing support.
    • We handle:
      • New hires
      • Terminations
      • Claims issues
      • Billing problems
      • Annual renewals
      • Compliance notices

You have a benefits partner, not just a broker.

What compliance requirements come with offering benefits?

Even small employers must meet federal requirements. We guide you through everything and provide tools to keep you compliant.

Most employers must provide:

  • Summary Plan Description (SPD)
  • Section 125 Cafeteria Plan Document
  • Annual Federal Notices
  • Medicare Part D Notice
  • Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)
  • ERISA documentation

Additional legal document fees may apply, depending on the carrier and plan.

Do I need to offer COBRA?

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

If you do not meet this threshold, you may be subject to Michigan Mini-COBRA.

We help you understand your requirements and provide guidance.

Compliance Link:

This branded, fillable spreadsheet enables you to submit the necessary information to generate a small-group quote.

Census fields include:

  • Company name & address
  • Industry
  • EIN
  • Employee & dependent names
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • ZIP code
  • Waiving or electing benefits
  • Coverage requested: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD
  • Employer contributions
  • Desired start date

Optional fields (recommended for disability plans):

  • Wages
  • Job title

Upload current plan documents if available.

Additional Tools for Small Employers 

Complimentary Compliance Assessment Tool

QHC Letters (Michigan Auto Insurance)

If your employees need Qualified Health Coverage letters, we provide direct links and guidance.

Employee Education Resources

Benefits explained in simple language:

  • Copays vs deductibles
  • How to find in-network doctors
  • How to use telehealth
  • Understanding HSA vs FSA

Online Enrollment Platform

  • Included at no cost.
  • No paperwork.
  • No manual tracking.