Frequently Asked Questions
2 to 9 Employees
What is a small business?
What is a family-run business?
Why should I have a group health plan?
When and how can I get help?
How difficult will the process be?
What health plans are available for small businesses?
What other types of coverage can I obtain for my small business?
Are there any deadlines for applying for a small group plan?
How can I learn more about the small business products?
I live outside of PA, but my business is near the city. Can I obtain a group plan?
What is a small business?
A small business is any company or family-run business that employs two or more employees/owners. The employees must work 20 or more hours per week. Small businesses run by husband and wife/domestic partners are considered “family-run businesses” and may qualify for group coverage.
What is a family-run business?
Family-run businesses are businesses whose employees are “blood related.” We apply the same criteria for creating a group plan to family-run businesses that we do to small businesses (20+ hours of work per week and/or ownership interest).
Why should I have a group health plan?
Group plans offer more program and benefit options and may lower your premium when compared to individual plans. Preexisting conditions are waived, allowing you to get the coverage you want.
In addition to HMO, POS (Point-of-Service), and PPO (Personal Choice®) programs, groups can elect from several different copay and deductible options. Prescription drug, dental, vision, and life and disability options are also available.
When and how can I get help?
If you own a small business, you know it is not a 9 to 5 job, and we do, too. That’s why we make ourselves available to help you when you need us, nights, and weekends, too. Our Small Business Team helps answer your questions, can provide you a quote, and even complete the paperwork at times that are convenient to you.
Just click on Request More Information and indicate your time and day preference. Help is just a click away!
How difficult will the process be?
As difficult as using a telephone! Really, once we begin talking, the hard part is over. We’ll ask you questions that help you understand your options and create a unique plan for your company. If you would like a quote, we will need the dates of birth and gender of the employees you wish to cover. Our Small Business Team will go over all the paperwork with you right over the phone. They will even tell you what documentation is needed.
What health plans are available for small businesses?
HMOs from Keystone Health Plan East provide the most economical solution to your health insurance needs. Our Keystone Point-of-Service (POS) program provides you with greater flexibility if you’re looking to avoid referrals. For the most freedom available, choose our Personal Choice® PPO plan.
What other types of coverage can I obtain for my small business?
In addition to health, prescription drug, dental ,and vision coverage, life and disability programs are available to small groups. This provides small business owners the opportunity to have the type of benefits that large employers offer their employees. If you are concerned about employee turnover and/or retention, adding these types of coverage may very well be the answer.
This is a great opportunity to obtain comprehensive coverage for all your employees needs!
Are there any deadlines for applying for a small group plan?
Yes. However, the good news is you can enroll in a plan on either the 1st or 15th of each month. Find out the next submission deadline.
Enrollment in a small group plan requires accurate paperwork submission by a specific filing deadline (we’ll handle those details with you).
How can I learn more about the small business products?
The choice is yours. Fill out our online Request More Information form or contact us at 215-241-2263.
I live outside of PA, but my business is near the city. Can I obtain a group plan?
If your business is located in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, or Montgomery counties, you could be eligible to create a small group plan from Independence Blue Cross.
Please contact us at 215-241-2263 for more information.
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