When you buy NY health insurance, the federal law makes sure employers and the self-employed are protected. These reforms help the smaller employers – and sole proprietors – get the same, affordable health benefits that larger companies typically receive.

As long as you have at least two employees and no more than 50, you are eligible for a small group NY health insurance plan. Since you’re not required to have a certain percentage of employees participating in the plan, you have the flexibility to offer insurance to employees rather than require it.

In New York, insurers must offer coverage for employees’ families and can’t turn down individuals because of a previous health complication. Smaller companies are also protected under NY health insurance laws with guaranteed insurance renewals if a covered employee gets sick. Before you can renew your company’s coverage, insurance companies reserve the right to require a specific number of participants in the group plan.

Another benefit to small group plans for NY health insurance is community-rated premiums. Your rates will not be impacted by individual health status, gender, age, or occupation. However, rates may vary based on the size of an employee’s family or location.

Self-employed individuals with no other employees other than a spouse can purchase a similar NY health insurance group plan. You can go to a vendor that specializes in group plans for the self-employed, or purchase a health plan that features the same laws that protect the individually insured. As a sole proprietor, you may also deduct a percentage of your premiums from your income taxes.