How much does it cost to use a health insurance broker in California?

Working with a Covered California Certified Agent like Bev's Benefits is completely free. Insurance brokers are compensated by the insurance carriers, not the consumer. You receive expert, personalized guidance at no additional cost.

What is a Covered California Certified Agent?

A Covered California Certified Agent is a licensed insurance professional who has completed specialized training and certification through Covered California, the state's official health insurance marketplace. They can help you enroll in plans both on and off the exchange.

Does Bev's Benefits help with small business health insurance?

Yes. Bev's Benefits has Premier status with top insurance carriers and works with companies of all sizes to design health benefit packages that attract talent and control costs, including plan cost analysis, employee enrollment, and ongoing compliance support.

What insurance carriers does Bev's Benefits work with?

Bev's Benefits works with all major California carriers including Kaiser Permanente, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Oscar Health, Health Net, and many more. This allows us to compare plans and find the best fit for your needs and budget.

BusinessMay 4, 2026· 5 min read

Small Business Health Insurance in California: A Complete Guide for Employers

Beverly Evans

Certified Insurance Agent · CA Lic #0M91012

Offering health insurance is one of the most effective ways to attract and retain talent — but for small business owners in California, navigating the options can feel like a full-time job. Here's a practical guide to help you understand your options and make smart decisions.

Do California Small Businesses Have to Offer Health Insurance?

Under the Affordable Care Act, businesses with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees are not required to offer health insurance. However, many choose to because:

It's a powerful recruiting and retention tool
Employees increasingly expect health benefits
Tax credits can significantly offset the cost
Healthier employees mean higher productivity and less absenteeism

If you have 50+ full-time employees, you are subject to the ACA's employer mandate and must offer affordable coverage or face penalties.

Your Options as a Small Business

1. Small Group Plans (SHOP)

California's Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) is available to businesses with 1–100 employees. Through SHOP or directly with carriers, you can offer a group plan where you choose the contribution level and employees select from available options.

2. Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA)

Qualified Small Employer HRAs (QSEHRAs) and Individual Coverage HRAs (ICHRAs) let you reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and qualified medical expenses. This gives employees flexibility while keeping your costs predictable.

3. Association Health Plans

Some industry associations offer group plans that small businesses can join, potentially accessing better rates through larger risk pools.

Tax Credits for Small Businesses

If you have fewer than 25 full-time employees with average wages below $56,000, you may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit — worth up to 50% of your premium contributions. This is a significant incentive that many eligible businesses don't claim.

How a Broker Makes the Difference

Working with a health insurance broker like Bev's Benefits gives your business several advantages:

Multi-carrier comparison: I work with Kaiser, Anthem, Blue Shield, Health Net, and more — so you see all your options in one place
Hidden savings: I analyze plan structures to find cost optimizations many businesses miss
Enrollment management: I handle the paperwork, employee communications, and onboarding
Renewal support: Every year, I review your renewal rates and negotiate or recommend alternatives
Compliance guidance: I help ensure you meet ACA and state reporting requirements

My services are free to your business. Insurance brokers are compensated by the carriers, not the employer.

Getting Started

The best time to start exploring group health insurance is 60–90 days before your desired effective date. This gives time to compare carriers, get quotes, and complete enrollment.

Contact Bev's Benefits for a free consultation tailored to your business, or call me at (949) 278-7502.

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