Good people are hard to find and harder to keep. A solid benefits package helps you do both, but shopping for group insurance can eat up time you do not have. DGS Benefits has helped New Jersey businesses and their employees for 35 years. We compare the options, explain the costs in plain English, and handle the paperwork so you can run your business.
What we can help you offer
- Group medical insurance, including plans for small groups of up to 50 employees and level-funded options for some businesses
- Group life and disability insurance to protect your team's families and paychecks
- Voluntary benefits, which employees pay for themselves at group rates
- Executive benefits for owners and key employees
We will tell you honestly if a plan is not a good fit for your group.
How group health insurance works for small New Jersey employers
In New Jersey, a small employer is generally one that averaged 1 to 50 employees in the prior year. Under the state's Small Employer Health Benefits Program, small groups can buy coverage without regard to the health of their employees, and can renew from year to year regardless of claims. Some small groups also look at level-funded plans, where the employer pays a fixed monthly amount and stop-loss coverage protects against very large claims. Level-funded plans are not right for every group, so we will show you both options. Participation and contribution requirements apply, and we will explain them before you decide.
Why offer benefits?
Benefits help you attract and keep employees, and they show your team you value them. Employer contributions toward health premiums are generally tax-deductible for the business and generally not taxed as income to employees. Confirm the details with your accountant.
What does it cost?
Your price depends on your group's size, the ages of your employees, your location, the plan design, and how much you choose to contribute. We gather quotes from a number of carriers and show you the real tradeoffs, not just the lowest premium.
How it works
- Talk with us. We learn about your business, your team, and your budget.
- Compare. We look at plans from various carriers side by side.
- Enroll. We help with the applications and walk your employees through their choices.
- Stay supported. We are here for questions all year and review your plan before each renewal.
Do not forget the owner
Business owners need protection too. Ask about life insurance and disability insurance for you and your key people. If you are self-employed with no employees, look at individual and family health insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to offer health insurance?
Employers with 50 or more full-time employees are generally required under federal law to offer coverage or face penalties. Smaller employers are not required, but many offer it to compete for talent.
Do I have to pay for my employees' coverage?
New Jersey small group rules set minimum employer contribution and employee participation requirements. We will explain what applies to your group.
What are voluntary benefits?
Optional coverages, such as extra life or disability insurance, that employees choose and pay for themselves through payroll, often at group rates.
Can I switch carriers?
Yes. Many employers review their coverage once a year and switch when it makes sense. We can review yours.
Is a consultation really free?
Your first consultation is free. Contact us to get started.
DGS Benefits Inc. is a licensed insurance broker in the State of New Jersey. We do not offer every plan available in your area.
Plans, premiums, and eligibility vary by insurance company, group size, and location, and program rules are subject to change. Level-funded plans involve financial risk for the employer and are not right for every group.
DGS Benefits does not provide tax or legal advice; consult a qualified professional.