No matter the number of employees that work for your California business, you need to provide them with California health insurance. You can buy health insurance in California from several different companies.

By providing your employees with low cost health insurance in California, they are less likely to be absent from work. This will increase productivity in the office. While there may be many choices of California health insurance carriers, choosing the one that is best for you does not have to be difficult.

If you want to compare California health insurance plans, you should:

1. Decide what type of California health insurance plans you are interested. Most California health insurance providers offer HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), and POS (Point of Service) plans. Each of these has distinct advantages and disadvantages.
2. Determine what percentage of the cost of your employees' California health insurance policies you can afford to cover. Some companies choose to cover the entire amount while others require employees to pay a portion.
3. Ask whether your employees are interested in a Health Savings Account (HSA), which allows them to pay for medical services with pre-tax dollars.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use online sources to receive quotes from California health insurance providers

It is very easy to receive quotes from all of the California health insurance carriers with a simple click of a button. This makes it easier to compare the cost and services of the various California health insurance plans.

I recommend: EHealthInsurance.com is a popular site that gives you quotes from a variety of California health insurance companies. InsureMe.com also offers free quotes.

Contact an insurance agent to find health insurance in California

A health insurance agent will understand all of the policies offered by California health insurance companies. They will be able to help you pick the company that is right for you.

I recommend: Tesoriero Insurance Services is an independent agency that offers health insurance. You can get a free quote online.

Buy insurance directly from your California health insurance provider

If you know which insurance company you prefer, it is more convenient to order your health insurance in California directly from that company.

I recommend: Blue Cross of California and Blue Shield of California offer plans for small business owners. Aetna is another insurance provider in California. These companies offer dental and vision care as add-on benefits.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure to implement any wellness programs that your California health insurance company provides. These things will help keep your employees healthy. Wellness programs may include smoking cessation programs, nutritional counseling, and fitness challenges.
• •  If your employees travel frequently, then you should be sure to purchase a health insurance plan that will cover them wherever they are. Large companies such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield have locations in many states.