Healthcare options for small businesses: a checklist
There are many business healthcare options available for groups of all sizes. Which is right for you? Finding healthcare for your small business can seem overwhelming. However, doing a little homework before and after consulting the experts will help.
As a Christian business leader, you want your employees to be healthy, happy, and successful. Offering budget-friendly healthcare options supports and blesses your team. It’s also a smart way to attract and keep great employees.
However, not all group offerings suit small business needs and budgets. Some limit choices and services. Others may care more about economies of scale 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.
Healthy choices for small businesses with a higher calling
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, 15-17).
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. Values: does it align with your belief system?
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. Consider whether supporting employees’ healthcare needs fit personal and professional goals and values, for this life and the next. 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, accredited organization with a proven track record?
- Will your organization experience the mutual respect, support, and encouragement of a faith 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 faith-based partners versus alliances that may be unequally yoked? (2 Corinthians 6:14)
2. Flexibility and service: does it meet the mandates without boxing you in?
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 enroll before your organization can participate? Are there limitations, waiting periods, age, weight, location, or health history restrictions?
- Does your choice include a generous maternity program?
- Is there flexibility in choosing providers or services? Will employees need a primary care physician, referrals for specialists, or pre-authorizations?
- 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? Does it restrict the terms or type of support you can offer as budgets and employee needs change?
- 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?
Our physical health matters to God, but spiritual health, godliness, and the life to come matter even more.
3. Budget: does it offer cost-effective healthcare options for small business needs?
Affordability is a high priority for small businesses! Do the choices you have in mind 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 submitting to managing paperwork.
As you pray, weigh your options and trust God to guide your path. In your research, don’t overlook the potential of a faith-based ministry such as Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM). CHM is the nation’s first and longest-serving health cost-sharing ministry. It’s one of many options designed to support faithful servant-leaders.
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