Health insurance can turn into a crazy puzzle for small business owners.
Where larger companies, by law, must provide health insurance to their employees, small businesses have more leeway; however, this sometimes can just add to the confusion.
The bottom line, if you can afford to offer good medical coverage and health insurance to your employees, no matter how many you have – do it.
What if it’s a financial struggle?
There are instances where offering health insurance may not be feasible to your company financially.
If your company is small, you may not legally have to offer health insurance so you can consider these things in deciding to offer or not .
 Longevity of employees – It’s rare that part-time, independent or short term employees will receive medical coverage, and you’re not obligated to do so. Save the insurance benefits for your full time, permanent employees.
 If you have a tiny company, say just a handful of employees, you are not legally in a place to provide health insurance. If it’s financially not possible, you may choose to wait until your company grows financially and physically to offer health coverage.
 With the new laws in place under Obamacare, many small businesses can qualify for tax incentives by providing health coverage to their employees. Before writing it off as not possible, take a look into what you may gain by offering health insurance.
How does offering health insurance to your employees help you?
If you can, it will pay off in the long run if you provide health benefits to your employees .
 For one, some possible great employees may pass you up for a company that can provide health coverage for them. You don’t want to risk not getting the best because you don’t offer health care plans.
 Your employees may be more apt to stay for the long haul if they feel comfortable with the health care plan you can offer. People will shift companies depending on health care these days, as it a big expense to pay for it on your own. If you can offer it, do so.
 You can help your employees by avoiding lapses in health insurance coverage. When they come on board, you can have your plan go right into effect rather than having your employees search out medical insurance in the midst of taking on a new job.
 Employees with an insurance tie will feel more invested in the company itself and this can improve their satisfaction, engagement and overall well-being with your company and their job.
 You’ll save on sick days and illness within the work place. Those with medical coverage are more apt to visit a doctor than those without. Though you may lose a few hours or a day to a doctor visit, it beats a week or more for those who don’t get the needed medical care. It also can prevent sickness from spreading in the office, like strep throat or the flu – two things which can really take an office down.
No one likes to talk about medical coverage – it’s a big expense and a lot to think about it.
But if you want happy, healthy employees, you probably need to consider it.
Photo credit: hipstercrite.com
About the Author: Heather Legg is a writer covering topics related to small business, health and well-being, and social media.
