Well it is official, Health First NH will be available for small businesses effective October 1. This is a new Health Insurance Plan designed with small business in mind. The goal is to offer a lower cost alternative to small businesses with less than 50 employees. Anthem BC/BS is the first carrier to outline the specifics to the brokerage community at a seminar 8/6. My office has begun quoting this plan for our clients already.
After reviewing the details and beginning to quote the plan for my small business clients, it appears that thwill be attractive to some small business owners. The plan has several attractive features as well as some major differences in coverage when compared to the plans currently available. The plan offers an attractive deductible credit feature that is available when insureds participate in certain wellness programs. However, the plan does have relatively high deductibles and a limited generic-based pharmacy benefit. Lastly, it is not a qualified high deductible health plan that meets the requirements necessary to make Health Savings Account contributions.
My office is ready to discuss this plan in detail with any small business owner. We routinely help business owners compare available plans and costs with the use of a spreadsheet and personal advice. We represent all major insurance carriers in NH.
