How will the health coverage work if I decide to keep coverage for my employees?

Small business employers who participate in Vermont Health Connect will have the option of choosing between different plan menus. In the Blue Cross Blue Shield or MVP menu, the employer selects a single insurer and decides how much to contribute, then each employee can select any tier of qualified health plan from that provider. In the other option, the “full menu," employees can select any plan from any insurer. Regardless of which menu you choose, you will only have to pay one bill each month. Vermont Health Connect will aggregate all of your employees’ premiums, calculate your contribution, then divide and disburse your contribution to each of the insurance companies.

What types of businesses do you expect to keep offering coverage? What types will drop?

A village market staffed by lower and middle-income employees (up to 400% of federal poverty level, or household income of $94,200 for a family if four) might consider dropping coverage in order to allow the employees to take advantage of federal tax credits. A law firm with high-income partners, on the other hand, might decide to continue their employer-sponsored insurance. Businesses with a mix of employee incomes will have a tougher decision. These businesses will likely want to consult Vermont Health Connect’s decision tools, such as the Small Employer Estimator, or have a certified Navigator or registered brokers walk through the process of deciding what is best for each of their particular situations.

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?

Who counts as a seasonal employee?

Seasonal employees are defined as employees who work fewer than 120 days during the year.

How can I determine if my business qualifies to use Vermont Health Connect?

For the purposes of qualifying to use Vermont Health Connect in 2014, a business is a small business if it employs 50 or fewer full-time employees. An employee is a full-time employee if she works 30 or more hours per week. Anyone who works less than 30 hours per week is not counted.

I need help understanding Vermont Health Connect and how it works.

How do I know which plan is right for my business and/or my employees?