You can, however, be charged somewhat more due to the age, gender, type and size of business, family size of those in your group and where your business is located. Called adjusted community rating, these rules apply to groups of 1 to 50. The standardized plan must contain certain benefits required by law. Blue Ribbon plans are available with an indemnity design for groups of 1-50. Groups who meet the federal definition of a small employer with 2-50 employees also must be offered a Blue Ribbon plan with an HMO design.
Carriers also can offer other plans as well.
If you are self-employed with no other workers, you are treated similarly to other small employers. They also must offer you any other non-Blue Ribbon plans they make available in the small group market. If you are self-employed and buy your own health insurance, you are eligible to deduct an increasing percentage of the cost of your premium from your federal income tax . Some small employers, self-employed people, and other individuals buy health insurance through professional or trade associations. The laws applying to association health coverage can be different than those for other health plans.