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Providing Insurance for Employees

Small Businesses

Many small business owners choose to provide insurance for their employees. Pennsylvania defines small businesses as those with 50 or fewer full-time employees. Some states may use different limits, but Pennsylvania law reflects the federal maximum of 50 full-time employees. 

Shopping for Coverage

Many small employers seek coverage on their own or with the assistance of an agent or broker but help is available. While Pennie, Pennsylvania's insurance marketplace is not currently operating a small business program, there are many agents and brokers available to help you understand your options for small group coverage. Call the Pennie Contact Center at 1-844-844-8040 to get connected to an agent or broker in your area or visit Pennie's Other Programs page.

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

Your business could qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit that is worth up to 50 percent of your contribution toward your employees' premiums for two consecutive tax years. In order to qualify, you must meet the following parameters:

  • Have fewer than 25 full-time employees;

  • The average employee salary for your business is roughly $50,000 per year or less;

  • You offer health insurance coverage to full-time employees through the SHOP Marketplace;

  • You pay at least 50 percent of your full-time employees' premium costs.

For more information on the credit, visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Rates and Review Process

Every year, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department reviews all proposed health insurance rates and changes to existing rates for plans in the individual and small group markets. We have a number of resources available to help consumers understand this process, and obtain information about requested and approved changes to their rates. For more information visit the Health Insurance Rate Review Process page.

Questions/Problems

You can always contact the Insurance Department to ask a question or file a complaint. You can call us at 1-877-881-6388 or file a complaint online. 

Large businesses

Self-funded insurance plans are regulated by the United States Department of Labor and are subject to federal laws and regulations, including the Affordable Care Act. For more information on requirements for self-funded health insurance plans visit the U.S. Department of Labor Health Plans and Benefits page.