Under ACA a company with less then 50 full time employees is considered community rated. Therefore the location of the bsuiness and the ages of each employee will determine the final rates. As long as you use the same census data for obtaining quotes then group health insurance rates should not vary from site to site. A slight variation in your census data can alter the rates. Brokers do not control the premiums.

The first step of the process is to obtain a side by side proposal with multiple carrier quotes. Then it is best to talk with a licensed agent who specializes in the small group insurance markets. The agent does not need to be located in your area, but instead should have a good understanding of the plans and networks being sold in your area. Finally, employees will enroll through digital enrollment platforms where they can view and choose all their benefits.

The minimum amount an employer must pay for group health insurance is 50% of the employee only premium. Employers are not responsible for dependent cost. In order to remain competitive, employers may choose to increase contributions towards the employees premium and their dependents. The national average an employee paid for a group sponsored health plan in 2022 was $146 per month. It is best for employers to maintain a reasonable split with their employees and not make the coverage to expensive.  A plan that is too expensive for the employees will result in low participation and higher group health premiums.

A business can expect to pay on average near $400 a month per employee for creditable health coverage. Some employer may pay more or less depending on the final rates.