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DC Health Link FAQs for Small Business Owners

October 27, 2014

There are many elements that set small business owners apart from their corporate competitors. One of the most significant is the ability to provide affordable health coverage for employees to ensure they are happy and safe in the workplace. When shopping for health insurance, it’s important to ask the right questions to guarantee that you get the coverage that fits your needs. Here are a few FAQs about DC Health Link we have assembled specifically for small business owners like you.

  1. What payment methods are available to small business employers?
    • Employers, just like you, have the option to set up automatic recurring payments for the simplest way to manage health insurance for your employees. Businesses will also be able to make payments online via electronic check or by mail in the form of check or money order.
  2. Why would I choose to enroll my employees through DC Health Link as opposed to another health coverage agency?
    • DC Health Link understands the specific needs of small businesses and offers competitive health insurance options for their employees. DC Health Link can provide you with more options than other providers can currently offer including various levels of coverage and pricing that gives small businesses the same buying power as large corporations.  You could also possibly receive tax credits if your business is eligible. 
    • NOTE: Starting in January 2015, new healthcare plans must be purchased through DC Health Link. In 2016, small business plan renewal must be done through DC Health Link.
  3. If I am an employer headquartered in DC with one or more locations in other states as well, how should I offer coverage to my employees?
    • There are two ways you can choose how to provide coverage for your employees. One option is to cover all of your employees through DC Health Link. The other would be to offer coverage to workers residing in DC through DC Health Link, and then offer coverage to other workers through the health benefit exchange serving the state in which they live.
  4. How will employers pay for health insurance offered through DC Health Link?
    • You will receive one monthly invoice for all health insurance coverage purchased through DC Health Link. The monthly invoice will include a report for the cost of each employee, which makes it easy to keep track of your healthcare expenses.
  5. What is the open enrollment process for small businesses?
    • You can begin shopping for coverage on DC Health Link up to 3 months prior to the desired coverage effective date (you can shop now for coverage to start in January 2015). Once you have selected the right plans for the business and contributions you want to make available to your employees, you must select an open enrollment period of at least 14 days during which your employees can review their options.  Check the enrollment calendar on DCHealthlink.com to ensure you sign up in time for your desired coverage date.  Questions? Contact our expert, Jackie Ludden, Project Director for the RAMW/DC Health Link Partnership for more FAQ answers.

jackie@ramw.org or 202.999.9291