Healthcare for small businesses

Healthcare options for small businesses: a checklist

There are many healthcare options available for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re wondering how to start a business, you have an established small business idea, or you’ve been leading a team for years, finding a healthcare choice that fits your core values can seem overwhelming. However, there are Christian healthcare choices, and doing a little research goes a long way.

As a leader, you want your employees to be healthy, happy, and successful. There are many aspects to opening a small business, and creating a budget that serves your needs is crucial. Offering cost-effective healthcare options can bless your team and equip you to act as a good steward of your financial resources. It’s also a smart way to attract and keep great employees.

However, not all healthcare options suit small business needs and budgets. Some limit choices and services. Others may care more about economies of scale rather than treating every individual as a beloved child of God. The checklist below can help in your search for strong options that don’t fall short of godly goals.

Small business ownership: Find wisdom in God For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. [1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)]

Our physical health matters to God, but spiritual health, godliness, and the life to come matter even more. Glorifying God in every decision requires a healthy dose of prayer, research, and discernment (Luke 14:28). But don’t worry! Jesus promised an advocate – the Spirit of truth – to help the faithful (John 15:26).

The following three-step checklist can help. Once you narrow your options, it will guide your decisions. Chances are, you’ll find a responsible, cost-effective choice suited to your unique needs.

1. Core values: does it align with your vision for Christian leadership?

Your Christian faith influences every part of your life. It’s never “off the clock.” As an employer, providing healthcare that aligns with your core values makes sense personally and professionally. God has plans for you, and your role as a biblical leader is no exception. You’re in this time and place with a unique opportunity to consider faith-based options for healthcare. For example, when choosing a group healthcare option:

• Will your financial resources support medical testing or treatment that isn’t compatible with your Christian values?
• Are you confident your choice is offered by a reputable, independently accredited organization?
• Will your small business experience the mutual respect, support, and encouragement of a biblical community during times of illness or other setbacks?
• Will it support positive, healthy lifestyle choices throughout every season and stage of life?
• Are you joining forces with a faith-based, like-minded healthcare option that empowers you to pursue stewardship, versus pursuing an alliance that may be unequally yoked [2 Corinthians 6:14]?

Our physical health matters to God, but spiritual health, godliness, and the life to come matter even more. 2. Flexibility and service: does it align with healthcare laws?

Business owners must comply with healthcare regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Does your choice meet the latest ACA mandates, participation requirements, and other important details? Other things to consider include:

• Do a minimum number of employees need to join before your organization can participate? Are there limitations, waiting periods, age, weight, location, or health history restrictions?
• Does your choice include a generous maternity solution?
• Is there flexibility in choosing providers or services?
• Will it limit which providers your employees can see, in addition to other restrictions? Will employees be priced out of seeing their favorite out-of-network providers?
• Does it have minimums or maximums for the monthly or yearly support you offer employees?
• Do you have employees who don’t qualify for or prefer not to take an ACA subsidy? Would they appreciate a money-saving, community-based healthcare alternative?

3. Budgeting: does it offer cost-effective healthcare options?

Affordability is a high priority! Small business administration can be a chore, and learning how to budget for healthcare is no exception. As an entrepreneur, you know that considering new business ideas can get expensive, so your healthcare needs to fit the bill without breaking the bank. Review costs and related considerations:

• Business administration costs can drain your organization’s limited resources. Will your healthcare options sustain your budget and support responsible stewardship of time, talents, and financial resources? Does it free you to focus on your God-given mission?
• Do the numbers add up? Many small businesses operate on a shoestring budget. Does your choice offer varying levels of service to meet employer and employee needs?
• Is there room to grow? Will it accommodate a small business budget while keeping the door open to step up to changing levels of healthcare services, options, and resources as your organization grows?

A checklist for healthcare guided by God

Healthcare business options vary, and there’s a lot to investigate before you decide! Details vary, too, from regulations in healthcare, to what you need for the size of your small business team, and beyond.

As you pray, weigh your options and trust God to guide your path. And remember—traditional insurance isn’t your only option. Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) has options for nonprofit and for-profit groups of all sizes. We’re ready to help you explore how you can pursue your God-given dreams and support your staff with excellence in healthcare. CHM is the nation’s first and longest-serving health cost-sharing ministry, and we’re designed to support faithful servant-leaders just like you.

Images used with permission.