KAISER PERMANENTE California Group Health Insurance Plans

Kaiser Permanente’s menu of medical plans for businesses includes a variety of options ranging from comprehensive plans with zero out-of-pocket for hospitalization to plans with a high deductible so you can lower your premium. Additionally, some of the KP California business health plans include a PPO (“Preferred Provider Organization”) option, which is a desirable feature if you have a favorite non-Kaiser Permanente doctor you just can’t part with. Regardless of the medical coverage you select, most preventive care services are free. And, if at least three subscribers sign up, you’ll be able to enroll in more than one California group health insurance plan, thus being able to offer more options to your employees. Use the links below to view our fourteen small business plans.

Individual vs. Small Business Medical Insurance in California

There are numerous benefits to choosing group coverage over individual. Below are five benefits for you to consider:

• No denials for medical conditions: If you are a business owner and you or a family member have been denied private health coverage due to pre-existing conditions, consider enrolling through your company. Unlike individual plans, California group insurance is not subject to medical underwriting, so health issues do not affect your eligibility.
Note: The Health Reform mandate that prohibits denial for pre-existing conditions currently applies to California group health insurance and to private health plans for children under age 19 only. In 2014, the mandate will apply to all age bands on a private plan.
• Cheaper for families or children with pre-existing issues: California business health insurance tends to be more family-friendly. Trending shows that families with children are apt to have lower premiums on company insurance plans than on private plans. That is because under group insurance plans, the charge for children is the same regardless of the number of children, so the larger the family, the better the savings. Additionally, children with adverse medical conditions are not surcharged under a business plan, like they would be under a private plan.
• Quicker turnaround: Applying for a California group health insurance plan through your company provides ease of enrollment and the turnaround is oftentimes quicker.
• Rates lock in for a full year: Once you enroll, group rates will be locked in for a full 12 months after your policy effective date. Private plans lock in for seven to twelve months, depending on when you apply.
• Employee retention: Group insurance plans are advantageous for employers because companies that invest in their employees by providing health benefits are more likely to attract and retain solid employees.

There are some advantages of applying for private coverage over a business plan. The individual premium for adults is often more affordable. Also, individual plans are portable; eligibility is not contingent on staying with your employer in order to receive health benefits.

What are my costs as the employer?

Kaiser Permanente California Group Health Insurance Plans require employers to contribute a minimum of 50 percent of the employee-only premium, based on what the rate would be for someone who is under 30 years of age, regardless of the actual age of the employee. If the employee is enrolled with dependents, your minimum required share would still be 50 percent of the premium for the employee only.

How do I Qualify for California Business Health Insurance?

You need at least two people working for the company. If you own a business, you may qualify for group coverage. See California Self-Employed Health Insurance for more details. Also, a husband and wife can meet the two-people requirement so long as both their names are listed on the business license or certain other company documents. Employees can get enrolled on a California group insurance plan if they are on payroll and meet the minimum hours required for a full time employee at the company, which must be at least 20 hours per week.

How do I apply for Group Health Insurance in California?

You can enroll online or print an application. Click Kaiser Permanente California Group Health Insurance Application to enroll today. For live support during the enrollment process, please call 1-877-752-4737 and select option 3.