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- Blue Cross allows small businesses to tailor their health benefits packages based on employee needs, providing flexibility in coverage options
- The wellness initiatives, including Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and fitness benefits, promote employee well-being and contribute to a positive workplace culture
- The average annual cost of employee benefits from Blue Cross is approximately $155.19 for the Entry plan, $188.05 for Essential plan, and $205.78 for Enhanced plan per employee monthly
Blue Cross offers a comprehensive employee benefits plan for small businesses with a minimum of 2 employees. As a trusted leader in health insurance, Blue Cross understands the unique challenges faced by small businesses and offers flexible, affordable plans that cater to diverse employee needs.
With options like customizable health coverage, virtual care access, and wellness programs, Blue Cross empowers employers to create a supportive work environment that attracts and retains top talent. In this article, we will explore the key features of Blue Cross employee benefits for small businesses, showcasing how these offerings can contribute to a healthier workplace and a more engaged workforce.
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Blue Cross group benefits at a glance
Blue Cross’s Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan targets companies with 2–10 employees that have been active for at least six months. The plan has three tiers: Entry, Essential, and Enhanced.
Here’s a quick look at Blue Cross’s employee benefits plan:
| Category | Details |
| Core benefits |
|
| Spending account |
|
| Wellness and employee assistance program (EAP) |
|
| Optional benefits |
|
| Waiting period | No waiting period for employees actively
at work on the effective date of coverage; 3 months for new employees |
| Key strength |
|
What does Blue Cross’s Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan cover?
While the Entry plan is designed for those looking for limited coverage, Essential and Enhanced plans offer broader protection, higher coverage limits, and additional features. The table below outlines a detailed comparison of these plan options to help you understand what each level offers and how they differ in terms of coverage and limits.
Blue Cross’s Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan options
| Benefit Category | Entry | Essential | Enhanced |
| Life Insurance | |||
| Basic life – Employee | $25,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Dependent life | $2,500 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Accidental death & dismemberment | $25,000 (50% reduction at 65) | $50,000 (50% reduction at 65) | $50,000 (50% reduction at 65) |
| Waiver of premium | Not applicable | Applicable if LTD selected | Applicable if LTD selected |
| Extended Health Care | |||
| Health practitioners | $500 per practitioner | $600 per practitioner | $600 per practitioner |
| Accidental dental | Up to $2,000 per lifetime | ||
| Ambulance services | Unlimited within Canada | ||
| Custom orthotics & shoes | $250 per 2 years | $300 per 2 years | $300 per 2 years |
| Convalescent care | No coverage | $30/day (up to 180 days) | $30/day (up to 180 days) |
| Diagnostic tests | $1,000 per calendar year | ||
| Durable medical equipment | $5,000 per lifetime | ||
| Hearing aids | $700 every 3 years | ||
| Hospitalization | No coverage | $200/day (semi-private/private) | $200/day (semi-private/private) |
| Prostheses | $10,000 per lifetime | ||
| Vision – Eye exams | 80% | 80% | 80% |
| Dental Care | |||
| Basic care maximum | $1,000 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Composite fillings | Covered | ||
| Major restoration level | No coverage | 50% | 50% |
| Major restoration maximum | No coverage | $500 | $1,500 |
| Recall exam frequency | Every 9 months | ||
| Scaling | Up to 6 units every 12 months | ||
| Prescription drug maximum | $3,000 | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Diabetic supplies | $1,000 | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Travel Insurance | |||
| Travel maximum | $5,000,000/person/incident | ||
| Trip cancellation/interruption | No coverage | $5,000/person/trip | $5,000/person/trip |
| Worldwide travel assistance | Yes | ||
Eligibility criteria for Blue Cross employee benefits for small businesses
Below are the eligibility criteria to get Blue Cross employee benefits for small businesses:
| Minimum group size | 2-10 employees |
| Maximum group size | Maximum of ten employees at the time of setup, with organic growth to 25 lives |
| Employee eligibility | Canadian residents (except in Quebec) under age 75 who are covered by their provincial health care plan and are actively working as permanent full-time employees (at least 20 hours per week) |
| Cost sharing | Employers must pay at least 25% of the premium |
What is the cost of employee benefits for small businesses from Blue Cross?
The average annual cost of employee benefits for small businesses with Blue Cross is approximately $155.19 for the Entry plan, $188.05 for the Essential plan, and $205.78 for Enhanced plan, covering a comprehensive package that includes health, dental, and other insurance options.
A minimum of two employees must be covered for health and dental benefits at all times, with waivers only allowed if the employee is covered by a spouse’s group plan.
Average cost of employee benefits from Blue Cross
| Coverage type | Entry (Single) | Essential (Single) | Enhanced (Single) | Entry (Family) | Essential (Family) | Enhanced (Family) |
| Life, Dependent Life & AD&D | $16.11 | $35.49 | $35.49 | $17.77 | $37.15 | $37.15 |
| Extended Health Care and Travel | $82.06 | $88.98 | $102.39 | $194.26 | $210.51 | $239.72 |
| Dental | $57.02 | $63.58 | $67.90 | $139.71 | $155.78 | $166.35 |
| Long-term Disability (LTD) | No coverage | $2.03 (per $100) | $2.03 (per $100) | No coverage | $2.03 (per $100) | $2.03 (per $100) |
What we like about Blue Cross’s Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan
Blue Cross offers a range of employee benefits that stand out for their affordability and comprehensive coverage. Here are some key highlights:
- Comprehensive coverage: Affordable options for life, travel, and extended health care—including vision care, prescription drugs, dental, and disability—make it easy for small businesses to provide essential benefits to their employees
- Health Spending Accounts: The inclusion of Health Spending Accounts and Wellness Spending Accounts adds flexibility, allowing employees to tailor their benefits to suit their individual needs
- Digital tools: Blue Cross provides digital tools that facilitate on-the-go access to plans and claims management, enhancing the overall user experience
- Virtual health care: Members benefit from access to virtual health care options at preferred rates, along with add-on coverage available through Connected Care
- Streamlined administration: Easy activation and straightforward administration processes reduce the workload for employers, allowing for direct payment of claims through an extensive provider network
- User-friendly platform: Their secure online platform is intuitive, simplifying the entire process. Support from licensed agents is just a phone call away
- Quick quotes: Premiums are displayed in real-time as members make their selections, with group rates providing more affordable options
- Fast enrolment: The online application process takes only minutes and can be completed electronically, streamlining enrolment
Best for:
- Employers looking for stable pricing
- Growing businesses that want to choose a suitable plan from Entry, Essential, and Enhanced
- Employers who want complimentary EAPs and health assessment programs
What wellness programs does Blue Cross offer for small businesses?
Blue Cross offers various wellness benefits that promote employee health and well-being, such as mental health support, gym memberships, health coaching, etc. As part of their employee benefits for small businesses plan, Blue Cross offers the following:
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Mental health support and counselling
- Fitness benefits: Gym memberships or fitness classes
- Health coaching: Offering personalized support to help employees achieve their health goals
- Connected Care: Provides access to Connected Care, which is a comprehensive health and wellness platform
- Health Connected: This is an interactive assessment tool that identifies risks to your health. Through this, members not only get a snapshot of their health but also receive personalized wellness solutions
- Blue Advantage: This helps eligible members save up to 20% on health and wellness-related expenses
Pros and cons of Blue Cross employee benefits for small businesses
| Pros | Cons |
| Ensures stable pricing through pooled experience | Critical illness insurance is an optional benefit |
| Worldwide travel assistance up to $5M coverage | No coverage for trip cancellation and baggage loss in the Entry plan |
| Added flexibility through health and wellness spending accounts | |
| No medical questionnaires for core benefits | |
| Employee assistance program (EAP) as a complementary benefit | |
| Virtual healthcare options via Connected Care |
How to get the best employee benefits rates from Blue Cross?
To get the best employee benefits rates from Blue Cross, we recommend speaking with our experienced advisors. Our advisors will help you compare plans, get instant quotes, and choose the right plan for your small business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Blue Cross’s plan compare to other health insurance providers for small businesses?
Blue Cross is known for offering comprehensive benefits at competitive prices. Compared to other providers, their plans often include extensive coverage options, personalized care programs, and strong networks of healthcare providers, making them a favorable choice for small businesses.
Is there a waiting period for part-time workers?
Typically, there is no specific waiting period mentioned for part-time workers in the general eligibility criteria. However, eligibility may depend on the specific terms of the plan and whether part-time workers meet the minimum hours required for coverage.
Can I customize the Blue Cross’s employee benefits package?
Yes, Blue Cross allows businesses to customize their employee benefits packages. Employers can choose from various coverage options and levels to create a plan that best fits the needs of their employees, providing flexibility in how benefits are structured.
How does Blue Cross’s virtual care access benefit small businesses?
Blue Cross’s virtual care access enables employees to consult healthcare professionals remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits. This convenience helps small businesses by minimizing absenteeism and providing quick access to medical advice, enhancing overall employee productivity and satisfaction.
How does Blue Cross’s customizable health coverage work?
Blue Cross allows small businesses to customize their health coverage plans based on the specific needs of their employees. Employers can select different levels of coverage for various health services, enabling them to tailor benefits packages that suit their workforce’s unique requirements.
Blue Cross offers a robust employee benefits plan tailored for small businesses with two to ten employees, costing approximately $155.19 for the Entry plan, $188.05 for the Essential plan, and $205.78 for Enhanced plan per employee monthly. The company provides a flexible and affordable plan that caters to diverse employee needs and includes customizable health coverage, virtual care access, and wellness programs, all designed to foster a supportive work environment that helps attract and retain top talent.
