Covered California for Small Business — CCSB / SHOP Employer Health Plans

California small employers can compare group health plans, possible tax credits, and carrier options — with help from an independent, certified agent.

When Does Covered California for Small Business Make Sense?

Covered California for Small Business, also called CCSB or SHOP, can be useful when a California employer wants ACA-compliant small group coverage, employee choice, and possible eligibility for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

It is not automatically the best answer for every employer. Sometimes a direct small group plan from Kaiser, Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, Health Net, UnitedHealthcare, or CaliforniaChoice may be simpler.

CCSB may be worth reviewing if:

• You have a small California business with eligible employees and want to understand who qualifies as an Employer or Employee.
• You want to compare multiple insurance companies such as Kaiser Permanente, Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, Health Net, UnitedHealthcare, or CaliforniaChoice.
• You may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit and want to see whether CCSB could reduce your net cost.
• You want help understanding Section 106 Employer Deductions, Section 125 Premium Only Plans, employer contributions, employee participation requirements, and enrollment paperwork.
• You want a certified independent agent involved at no additional charge and would like to learn more about 17 Reasons to Appoint Steve Shorr as Your Agent, read Steve’s Biography, or review Client Testimonials.

Quick Decision Guide

Important Employer Tax Links

Before choosing a small group plan, it is worth reviewing the employer tax rules. Employers may want to understand the

• Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, the
• Section 106 employer premium deduction, and a
• Section 125 Premium Only Plan for tax advantaged  employee payroll deductions.

You may also need to understand who counts as an employer, who counts as an employee, and when a worker is an employee instead of a 1099 independent contractor.

If You are ready to compare rates now and would like Instant Employer Group Quotes or a Zoom Consultation.

Why Use Steve Shorr Insurance?

You can buy small group health insurance directly from an insurance company, but many employers still prefer help from an independent broker who can compare options and explain the tradeoffs. Steve Shorr Insurance has been helping California individuals, families, and employers with health insurance since 1981.

• 17 Reasons to Appoint Steve Shorr as Your Agent / Broker
• Steve Shorr Biography
• Testimonials — including a case where a client saved about $18,000 in premiums

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Useful Official Resources

• Covered California for Small Business
• CCSB Applications and Forms
• New Business Documentation Required
• Full-Time Equivalent Employee Calculator

This page is for general information only. Steve Shorr Insurance is not a tax adviser, attorney, or Covered California. Please consult your own tax professional for tax-credit eligibility and deduction questions.