Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1423616
plans at any time. Just make sure you have the new provider lined up. That way, your employees don't have to worry about breaks in their coverage while you're making the switch. If you're debating whether or not you should get health insurance for your small business, don't let any myths stand in your way. Employees are looking to their employers for benefits and there are several coverage options available for small businesses as well as ways to cut costs. Cigna + Oscar offers care that cares about small businesses and their employees. Visit https://www.hioscar.com/ business/cigna to learn how we can help. Cigna + Oscar is designed to work for small businesses like yours. We're bringing together the power of Cigna's nationwide and local provider networks, and Oscar's member-focused experience, to deliver small group health insurance that understands the unique needs of small businesses and their employees. A s a small business owner, you may be wondering if it's worth it to offer health care benefits to your employees. Shopping around for health insurance can feel like an impossible mission with complicated and costly plans. However, you can find affordable care options for your team with the right guidance. Here are six common misunderstandings that may be keeping you from investing in health insurance for your business's employees: Six common health insurance myths small business owners need to stop believing Myth #1: As a small business owner, it's too expensive for me to offer my employees health insurance. Providing health insurance can be pricey, but as a small business owner, you may get a little extra help. Depending on the size of your company, you may be able to qualify for a health tax credit. Additionally, if you team up with a broker, they'll keep your budget in mind and give you tips for saving. Myth #2: I can't enroll in health insurance because I missed the open enrollment period. As a small business, you can enroll in health insurance at any time. So don't worry! Just keep in mind the benefits might kick in on the first or 15th of the month for most insurance companies, and you want to make sure if you do switch carriers, your employees don't experience a period without coverage. Myth #3: Since I don't legally have to offer health insurance, I should just save that money. Sure, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you're not legally required to provide health insurance to your employees if your business has less than 50 employees. But choosing to skip health insurance as part of your benefits package puts your business at a disadvantage. The Great Resignation is still going. Millions of Americans have quit their jobs. And as a result, employees are becoming more demanding about the benefits they receive. A recent survey by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) found that 46% of participants said whether or not they liked their benefits helped them decide if they wanted to take a job offer or stay with a company. Myth #4: Health insurance benefits are too complicated. Ok, this one is partially true because health insurance in the U.S. can be confusing. That said, lack of knowledge shouldn't keep you from offering a competitive benefits package to your employees. And if you enlist the help of a broker, they can help you navigate the entire process, from shopping for the right plans to enrolling your employees and answering any questions they may have. Myth #5: If my employees have medical issues, I can't afford to insure them. There are many plan options your broker can help you explore, even if you're worried about pre- existing conditions. Some plans simply don't consider the overall health of your employees as a determining factor on whether or not they get coverage. Myth #6: I have to let my current plan end before switching to another carrier. If you're not happy with your current insurance plan, you don't need to wait until another open enrollment period comes around to switch carriers. As a small business, you can switch Cigna + Oscar coverage is insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company. CA: benefits administered by Oscar Health Administrators. Other states: benefits administered by Oscar Management Corporation. Pharmacy benefits provided by Express Scripts, Inc. Cigna + Oscar health insurance contains exclusions and limitations. For complete details on product availability and coverage, please refer to your plan documents or contact a representative. SPONSORED CONTENT