We currently offer individual reimbursements to our employees and have been thinking about getting group insurance. However, I've heard the process is a both extensive and I want to make sure we can offer about the same (or better) coverage through the group plan. We are only 3 employees which I imagine does not give us a lot of bargaining power ;-)

So, in general, does group health offer better plans/rates than individual coverage? We are based in Los Angeles, CA

Usually group health insurance benefits (dental, extended health including prescription) is better then having to buy it personally, (the premiums are skyhigh, that is why individuals go without) but ten or more employees makes it even more worthwhile; I doubt if 3 employees would make it cost effective. All you can do is get a quote from 2 or 3 insurance providers. Health benefits for employees is going over to unions now, that is the way mine is done in Canada, but employees are in the hundreds.

Tick

Thanks for this - I think I will just get some quotes and see what happens. I just find the paperwork for time-consuming!

The real problem is that 3 people a group does not really make, most insurance requires 10 or 12 at a near min.

Many very small groups look at using payroll services such as ADT or others to do their payroll and to combine with 1000's of others for group benefits