For more than a decade, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made Individual & Family Plans (IFPs) an attractive option for many small businesses and self-employed individuals. They’re especially appealing for those who qualify for federal subsidies to help offset monthly premiums.
What’s Changing in 2026 — And Why It Matters for Employers
With enhanced ACA subsidies now expired (and future funding still uncertain), many individuals are seeing significant premium increases. As a result, employees who once relied on subsidized individual coverage may begin looking to their employer for more affordable, stable health insurance options. If you’re a small business owner, this shift creates both a challenge and an opportunity.
A Quick Compliance Reminder for Employers
If you are an Applicable Large Employer (ALE), meaning you average 50 or more full-time or full-time equivalent employees, you are required to offer health coverage that meets ACA standards or potentially face penalties. You can confirm your ALE status, using IRS guidance. Even if you’re smaller than 50 employees, offering group health coverage can still be a powerful differentiator.in helping you attract and retain your top talent.
A Flexible Solution
CaliforniaChoice offers employers a safe harbor when it comes to group health insurance — combining choice, cost control, and simplicity. When you choose CaliforniaChoice you get:
1. Give Employees More Choice Across Multiple Carriers
Employees can select from seven health plans and 100+ coverage options, including:
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Health Net
- Kaiser Permanente
- Sharp Health Plan
- Sutter Health Plan
- UnitedHealthcare
- Western Health Advantage
Plans include HMOs, PPOs, and HSA-compatible options, with coverage available across all four ACA metal tiers.
2. Predictable Costs with Defined Contribution
You stay in control of your budget by choosing how much to contribute toward employee premiums. That means no surprises and no guessing.
3. Broader Access to Care
Employees gain access to a wide range of doctors, specialists, and hospitals, allowing them to choose coverage that fits both their health needs and their budget.
4. Optional Benefits That Add Value
You can enhance your offering with voluntary benefits, including:
- Dental
- Vision
- Chiropractic & Acupuncture
- Life and AD&D Insurance
5. Built-In Business and Employee Perks
Your benefits package can also include access to value-added services such as:
- A free Premium Only Plan (POP)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) setup
- COBRA administration
- Employee discounts on travel, entertainment, fitness, and wellness
- Tools and resources that simplify benefits administration
6. Simplified Administration
Managing benefits doesn’t have to be complicated. With CaliforniaChoice you have:
- One monthly bill
- One dedicated service team
- One website to manage everything
Is Group Health Insurance Right for You?
If your employees are losing ACA subsidies, or asking about alternatives, now is the time to explore your options. Here are four easy steps to get started:
- Talk with your employee benefits or insurance broker about group health coverage.
- Compare costs between individual plans and employer-sponsored options.
- Decide on your contribution strategy to balance affordability and competitiveness.
- Offer choice, so employees can select plans that work for their families and budgets.
Whether you have one employee, 10, 50, or even 100, group health coverage may be more accessible than you think. If you don’t already work with a broker, we make it easy to find one online.
