My business qualifies as a small business. Should I offer coverage to my employees, or not?

For the 47% of Vermont small businesses that offer insurance, the keep-drop question is a critical one. Unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer. The State cannot determine what is best for your business and your employees. Vermont Health Connect offers tools such as the Small Employer Estimator to help you decide whether to renew group coverage. If you decide to renew, these tools – along with certified Navigators and registered brokers – can help you determine which plans to renew and how to do it. Visit Vermont Health Connect’s website for more information. If you are among the 53% of Vermont small businesses that don’t offer insurance, you are able to use these same tools to decide whether to start offering employer sponsored insurance through the Exchange. What other questions should I ask as I decide whether to keep or drop coverage? Here are some major questions for an employer to consider: Do you offer insurance today? How much do you spend today on insurance? How much do your employees spend on insurance today? Would your employees be better off purchasing insurance through VHC than under your current plan? Would you be subject to the federal penalty? Cost? Would you be subject to a state assessment? Cost?