Northern CA small group health care plans?

[peggypwr1]

Hello, trying to start a sole proprietorship consulting business with 2 employees (FT) and myself.

For the small business in the Bay area, what small business health insurance fees are you paying every month? Any tips to negotiate a discount?

Any real difference between Kaiser, anthem blue cross, health net, cinga, Aetna small group plans?

Costco seems to small business health care thing they sell. Haven't looked into it too deep.

Anyway..thank you.

[Freelancier]

In general, as a tiny group, you don't get offered discounts. In fact, you might not get much service from a broker at all, short of getting an explanation of your benefits in the first year and help choosing a plan.

Yes, there are significant differences above the baseline ACA requirements for coverage that each company will offer. It's up to you to get copies of the different alternatives and determine which is best for you. Your best bet is really to find a good benefits broker in your area who wants to work with businesses around your size and who works with several of the the companies you mentioned.