Insurance (BENEFITS COPY) - Logo_M

Insurance

Choosing the right health benefits is one of the most important decisions a business or individual can make. From traditional group health insurance and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to flexible spending options, dental and vision coverage, and voluntary benefits like disability and life insurance there are a wide range of plans designed to support physical, mental, and financial well-being. Understanding the differences between each type of benefit helps employers build competitive offerings and empowers individuals to make informed healthcare choices. Explore the key options below to find the coverage that fits your needs and budget.

We will walk through the various option you have when starting your new business

Benefits Solutions

Cobra- Your current plan plus a 2% management fee
ACA Healthcare Program
Continuum Advantage Program
Alternative POE
Small Group Plan

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

The Affordable Care Act (ACA)—also known as Obamacare—is a comprehensive healthcare reform law enacted in March 2010. Its main goal is to expand access to affordable health insurance, improve the quality of care, and reduce healthcare costs for individuals, families, and small businesses.

Key Features of the ACA

Health Insurance Marketplaces

The ACA created online marketplaces (such as HealthCare.gov) where individuals and small businesses can compare and purchase health insurance plans.

Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

Insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing medical conditions.

Individual Mandate (Repealed)

Originally, individuals were required to have health insurance or face a tax penalty. This mandate was repealed in 2019, though some states have their own requirements.

Subsidies and Tax Credits

The ACA offers premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to help lower-income individuals and families afford insurance.

Medicaid Expansion

The law expanded Medicaid eligibility to cover more low-income individuals, though not all states chose to participate.

Employer Mandate

Large employers (with 50+ full-time equivalent employees) must offer affordable, minimum essential coverage to full-time staff or face penalties.

Essential Health Benefits

All ACA-compliant plans must cover 10 essential health benefits, including:

Preventive care
Maternity and newborn care
Mental health services
Prescription drugs
Emergency services

Young Adult Coverage

Children can stay on their parents’ health plan until age 26, regardless of student or marital status.

Why the ACA Matters

Increased access to health insurance for millions of Americans
Reduced discrimination in insurance pricing and eligibility
Established consumer protections and transparency requirements
Introduced preventive care coverage without additional cost-sharing

In Summary:

The Affordable Care Act reshaped the U.S. healthcare system by making health insurance more accessible, more regulated, and more equitable. It continues to impact individuals, families, employers, and healthcare providers nationwide.

COBRA generally applies to employers with 20 or more employees who offer group health insurance.

Former employees
Spouses or ex-spouses
Dependent children

🔹 How Long Does COBRA Coverage Last?

18 months for job loss or reduction in hours
36 months for other qualifying events (e.g., divorce, death of a covered employee)

Continuum Advantage

At Continuum Advantage, we understand that managing employee benefits can be a complex and time-consuming task. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits administration services designed to streamline the process, ensure compliance, and enhance the overall employee experience. With our expertise and cutting-edge technology, we take the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on what matters most – growing your business.

Small Group Plans

A small group health insurance plan is a type of health coverage offered by employers to a group of employees—typically for businesses with 2 to 50 full-time employees (though some states define it slightly differently). These plans are regulated under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which requires them to cover essential health benefits and prohibits discrimination based on health status.

Pro

Affordable Group Rates
Premiums are typically lower per person compared to individual plans due to group risk pooling, which helps spread the cost.
Tax Advantages
Employers can deduct health insurance premiums as a business expense. Employees can pay their share with pre-tax dollars, reducing taxable income.
Attracts and Retains Talent
Offering health benefits is a competitive advantage that improves recruitment, retention, and employee satisfaction.
Access to Better Coverage
Group plans often provide more robust benefits and broader provider networks than individual marketplace plans.
ACA Compliance
Small group plans must cover essential health benefits and follow ACA rules, helping protect both employers and employees.

Cons

Cost to Employer
Employers are usually required to contribute at least 50% of the premium for employee coverage, which can be a significant expense for small businesses.
Administrative Complexity
Managing enrollment, renewals, compliance, and claims can be time-consuming and may require third-party assistance or HR resources.
Participation Requirements
Most carriers require a minimum percentage of employee participation (often 70%) for the plan to remain active.
Limited Plan Choices in Some Areas
Depending on your location and insurance market, small businesses may face fewer carrier or plan options.

When to Consider a Small Group Plan
A small group health plan is ideal if you want to offer competitive benefits, save on taxes, and provide comprehensive coverage to your employees. It’s especially valuable for businesses aiming to grow and attract high-quality talent—but it requires budgeting and administrative oversight.

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