If you are considering finding a health insurance plan for yourself or your team, here are some of the topics you may want to consider as you start your search.

For Individual Insurance:

• Governmental Marketplace
  • https://www.healthcare.gov/ provides information, guidance, and plan options for individuals seeking health insurance. 
  • Many states also offer an option for residents of their state seeking health insurance. https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-in-your-state/ can be a great starting point.
    
    
• Local Agents or Brokers
  • Connecting with a local agent or broker may provide the guidance you need. https://www.healthcare.gov/find-local-help/ offers a local search tool to get you connected with a broker or agent in your area.
    
    
• Professional, Trade, or Membership Organizations
  • You may be eligible for a group health plan through a professional, trade, or membership organization. Check the organizations you are a member of for potential options. You may even be able to join an organization for this purpose. For example, US Equestrian has a free fan membership which grants members access to certain healthcare plan options.
    
    

For Employer-Sponsored Insurance:

• Find a local professional. People who sell health insurance are typically called brokers or agents and they can both educate you on the industry and connect you with the right provider and plan for your business.
  • Many teams will start by looking to their board or membership for connections with local brokers or agents.
  • Do your own research within your network and online to find well reviewed businesses in your area.
  • Each state has a Department of Insurance or similar entity that will have a database of registered professionals in this industry. Make sure the person you are working with is licensed in your state.
    
    
• Evaluate the need for a third-party compliance provider to assist you in meeting all legal requirements. The Society for Human Resource Management and the HR Certification Institute are industry recognized resources, which may be a great place to start looking for a partner in this space. Most agents and brokers will typically also have references for certain companies.
  
  
• Consider whether your payroll, timekeeping, or other human resources products and policies can effectively track the metrics needed to stay compliant.
  
  
• Understand who may be eligible from your staff. Determine internal policies and ensure compliance with all laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
  
  
• Estimate high-end and low-end costs with the advice of a professional, considering current plan options and prices.
  
  
• Consider other options to ensure your staff has health insurance coverage. Many clubs may consider additional pay, stipends, or other benefits in lieu of providing an employer sponsored healthcare plan.
  
  
• Whenever in doubt, consult tax and legal professionals.
  
  
• Most of all, make sure you consider whether the benefits outweigh the costs for your business.