KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • 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

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

Blue Cross offers a comprehensive employee benefits plan for small businesses with 2 to 10 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.

What are the key features of Blue Cross’s Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan?

Blue Cross offers three Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plans that cover businesses with 2-10 employees that have been established and active for 6 months. These plans are categorized into three tiers: Entry, Essential, and Enhanced. This plan has no waiting period for existing employees but does impose a 3 month waiting period for new employees.

Key features of Blue Cross’s Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan

Category Details
Minimum group size 2-10 employees
Maximum group size Maximum of ten employees at time of setup with organic growth to 25 lives
Business eligibility Business must be active and established for at least 6 months
Employee eligibility Canadian residents (except Quebec) under age

75 covered by their provincial health care plan

and actively working as a permanent full-time

employee (at least 20 hours per week)

Participation basis
  • Mandatory participation, with health and dental waiver only if covered by another spousal group plan
  • Group must have a minimum of two employees covered for Health and Dental benefits at all times
Cost sharing Employers must pay at least 25% of the premium
Waiting period No waiting period for employees actively

at work on the effective date of coverage; 3 months for new employees

Survivor benefits 12-month waiver of premium for health

and dental benefits only

Termination age Retirement or age 75, whichever comes earlier

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What does Blue Cross’s Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan cover?

Blue Cross’s Employee Benefits for Small Businesses plan covers expenses for health and dental care, vision care, prescription drugs, and travel.

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 $75 every 24 months Reasonable & customary limit Reasonable & customary limit
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

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 wellness spending accounts that cover:

  • 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
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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. Family life rates apply for dependent life if the spouse is named as the beneficiary, even with single health and dental coverage.

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)

Learn more about the cost of employee benefits for small businesses in Canada
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Who is eligible for Blue Cross’s Employee Benefits for Small Businesses?

To be eligible for Blue Cross coverage, individuals must be Canadian residents under the age of 75 and enrolled in their provincial health plan. Full-time permanent employees working at least 20 hours per week are typically eligible, while seasonal and contract employees may also qualify for coverage. 

However, self-employed and contractual employees are not eligible for Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage. Additionally, groups with two lives require underwriting approval for LTD coverage, so it’s advisable to consult with an advisor before finalizing coverage.

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 enrollment: The online application process takes only minutes and can be completed electronically, streamlining enrollment
  • Elimination of admin tasks: Blue Cross collects premiums directly from members, eliminating the administrative burden associated with payroll deductions

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.

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.

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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.

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SUMMARY

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.

Written By
Brandon Jeeteng Chow
Insurance Advisor, LLQP
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