In North Carolina, small businesses (less than 50 employees) can explore different avenues to secure health coverage. Consider these options:
- Direct Purchase from Insurance Companies:
- Contact any health insurance company.
- Compare plans on their websites.
- Insurance Agents or Brokers:
- Agents work for a single company, brokers sell from several.
- Compare plans and enroll with their assistance.
- Online Health Insurance Sellers:
- Services offering plans from various companies.
- Compare prices, features, and enroll with your chosen insurance company.
Health Insurance Coverage in North Carolina:
- Group Plans:
- Maximum 6-month look-back/12-month exclusion for pre-existing conditions.
- Benefits vary based on the chosen plan.
- Individual Plans:
- Assorted plans based on medical needs.
- Maximum look-back period of 60 months for pre-existing conditions.
- COBRA:
- Coverage for 18-36 months, benefits from previous employer.
- Pre-existing conditions covered.
- HIPAA:
- No expiration of coverage.
- Premium assistance available, covering pre-existing conditions.
Health Insurance Eligibility in North Carolina:
- Group Plans:
- Guaranteed coverage for companies with 2-50 employees.
- Eligible employees (working 30+ hours) include owners.
- Individual Plans:
- Subject to medical underwriting.
- Denial may qualify for AHIP or PCIP.
- COBRA:
- Guaranteed coverage for businesses with 20+ employees.
- 60 days from termination to sign up.
- HIPAA:
- 18 months of continuous coverage required.
- Enroll within 63 days of eligibility.
Monthly Cost for Health Insurance in North Carolina:
- Group Plans:
- Costs depend on employer contribution and +20% of the insurance company’s index rate.
- Individual Plans:
- Varying costs with no rate caps.
- COBRA:
- Costs range from 102% to 150% of group health rates.
- HIPAA:
- Premiums depend on the chosen plan.
- HIPAA Premium Assistance:
- Reimburses full employer-sponsored insurance premium monthly.
- Pays insurance company directly for COBRA or eligible small businesses.