Every year, DC Health Link gives small business owners a unique opportunity to offer health insurance to their employees with fewer eligibility requirements. It’s a limited time offer that can help businesses recruit and retain top talent by providing a valuable workplace benefit.
Small businesses with 1–50 full-time equivalent employees can enroll in health coverage through DC Health Link at any time during the year. To qualify, employers must normally contribute at least 50% of the employee premium and have at least two-thirds of eligible employees enroll in or waive coverage.
However, these contributions and participation requirements do not apply for businesses that choose a January 1 coverage start date. This annual enrollment opportunity gives employers greater flexibility to begin offering health benefits, even if they cannot meet the standard rules.
For example, an employer has 10 full-time employees but only 5 want health coverage and do not have other qualifying coverage. Or, an employer has 5 full-time employees but can only contribute 25% of the cost of coverage for each employee. Usually these employers would be ineligible because they don’t meet the requirement that the employer must contribute at least 50 percent toward employees’ monthly premiums and that two-thirds of eligible employees either enroll in coverage or notify DC Health Link that they have other qualifying coverage (a waiver). With a January 1 start date, these requirements are not applicable.
To participate, businesses must still meet the basic eligibility requirements. They must:
- Be headquartered in DC or offer coverage to all full-time employees who have a primary worksite in DC.
- Have 1–50 full-time equivalent employees.
- Have at least one non-owner employee enroll in coverage through DC Health Link.
DC Health Link offers more than 150 health plan options from CareFirst, Kaiser Permanente, and UnitedHealthcare, giving employers and employees the flexibility to choose coverage that fits their healthcare needs and budget.
Choosing the right health plan doesn’t have to be complicated. DC Health Link encourages employers to work with certified brokers who provide free expert guidance throughout the enrollment process. These licensed professionals can help business owners compare plans, understand costs, and select coverage that best meets the needs of both the business and its employees.
This limited time offer is available only once a year. Small business owners who have been waiting for the right time to offer health insurance should take advantage of this limited-time window and explore the affordable coverage options available through DC Health Link.
For more information, contact DC Health Link at (855) 532-5465 or visit DCHealthLink.com.
