For small business owners, offering health insurance isn’t just about compliance—it’s about attracting and retaining top talent while keeping employees healthy and productive. With rising healthcare costs in the U.S., finding an affordable yet comprehensive health insurance provider is critical.
Table Of Contents
Highmark Small Business Health Insurance – Overview
Introduction
For small business owners, offering health insurance isn’t just about compliance—it’s about attracting and retaining top talent while keeping employees healthy and productive. With rising healthcare costs in the U.S., finding an affordable yet comprehensive health insurance provider is critical.
That’s where Highmark Small Business Health Insurance comes in. As one of the largest Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates, Highmark provides health plans tailored for businesses of all sizes, with special advantages for small businesses.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Highmark Small Business Health Insurance in 2025—from coverage details and costs to benefits, plan options, eligibility, and how it compares with other providers.
What is Highmark Small Business Health Insurance?
Highmark is a trusted insurance carrier that serves Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, and other regions. Their small business health insurance plans are designed for companies with fewer than 50 employees, though they also serve mid-size employers.
Highmark specializes in:
- Affordable group health coverage for employees.
- Preventive care and wellness programs.
- Customizable plans to suit business needs and budgets.
- Access to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s national network of doctors and hospitals.
Why Small Businesses Need Health Insurance
Offering group health insurance benefits small businesses in multiple ways:
- Attracts and retains employees – Workers value health benefits over higher salaries.
- Boosts productivity – Healthy employees mean fewer sick days.
- Tax advantages – Premium contributions may be tax-deductible.
- Compliance – Businesses with 50+ employees must provide coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
- Employee satisfaction – Benefits improve morale and reduce turnover.
Key Features of Highmark Small Business Health Insurance
| Feature | Details |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, preventive care |
| Flexible Plans | PPO, EPO, and HMO options available |
| Network Access | Nationwide Blue Cross Blue Shield provider network |
| Wellness Programs | Employee wellness initiatives, telehealth, and preventive screenings |
| Affordability | Plans tailored to small business budgets |
| Digital Tools | Online member portals, mobile app, and 24/7 telemedicine |
Highmark Small Business Plan Options
Highmark offers a variety of small business health plans:
1. PPO Plans
- Flexibility to choose providers in and out of network.
- No referrals needed for specialists.
2. EPO Plans
- Lower premiums.
- Coverage only for in-network providers (except emergencies).
3. HMO Plans
- Most affordable.
- Requires primary care physician (PCP) and referrals for specialists.
4. High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs)
- Lower premiums with higher deductibles.
- Compatible with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
What Highmark Small Business Health Insurance Covers
- Preventive Care – Checkups, screenings, and immunizations.
- Hospitalization – Inpatient and outpatient hospital care.
- Emergency Services – ER visits, urgent care, ambulance coverage.
- Prescription Drugs – Tiered coverage for generic, preferred, and specialty drugs.
- Maternity & Newborn Care – Prenatal visits, delivery, and postnatal care.
- Mental Health Services – Therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care.
- Telehealth – 24/7 virtual doctor visits.
What’s Not Covered?
While Highmark provides comprehensive coverage, exclusions may include:
- Cosmetic surgery (unless medically necessary).
- Experimental or unapproved treatments.
- Long-term custodial care.
- Dental and vision (unless added separately).
Average Cost of Highmark Small Business Health Insurance
Premiums vary based on company size, employee demographics, and plan type. On average:
- Single Employee Coverage: $400 – $600/month
- Family Coverage: $1,000 – $1,600/month
- Employer Contribution: Many employers cover 50–75% of premiums.
👉 Small businesses may also qualify for tax credits through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) if they have fewer than 25 employees.
Highmark Small Business Health Insurance vs. Competitors
| Provider | Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Highmark | Affordable plans, nationwide BCBS network, wellness programs | Limited service area |
| UnitedHealthcare | Large national coverage, robust digital tools | Higher premiums |
| Aetna | Good for mid-size employers, wellness benefits | Not always cheapest |
| Cigna | Strong global coverage, flexible plans | May be costly for small businesses |
Highmark stands out for small businesses in its service region due to affordability and BCBS network access.
Benefits of Choosing Highmark for Small Businesses
- Access to one of the largest provider networks in the U.S.
- Competitive premiums designed for small employers.
- Employee wellness and telemedicine at no extra cost.
- Easy digital management through employer and employee portals.
- Tax savings and ACA compliance support.
How to Enroll in Highmark Small Business Health Insurance
- Assess your business needs – employee count, budget, and preferred plan type.
- Request a quote – directly from Highmark or a licensed broker.
- Compare plan options – PPO, EPO, HMO, or HDHPs.
- Complete enrollment – provide employee details and contribution percentages.
- Educate employees – share plan benefits and enrollment instructions.
Pairing Highmark with Individual Health Insurance Options
Some employees may want additional coverage beyond what the small business plan offers. Pairing employer-sponsored insurance with supplemental health plans ensures complete protection.
👉 You can explore additional individual plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Tips for Small Businesses to Save on Health Insurance
- Encourage employee wellness programs to reduce claims.
- Choose higher deductibles for lower premiums.
- Take advantage of tax credits via SHOP.
- Regularly review and adjust coverage based on employee needs.
- Use Highmark’s digital tools to manage usage and prevent overbilling.
FAQs – Highmark Small Business Health Insurance
Q1. Is Highmark small business health insurance only for companies in Pennsylvania?
No, Highmark also operates in Delaware, West Virginia, and other regions under the Blue Cross Blue Shield network.
Q2. How many employees do I need to qualify for a Highmark small business plan?
Typically, businesses with 2–50 employees qualify for small group plans.
Q3. Can I offer multiple Highmark plans to my employees?
Yes, employers can often provide plan options so employees can choose the best fit.
Q4. Do Highmark plans include dental and vision?
Not usually. These can be purchased as add-ons.
Q5. Does Highmark offer telemedicine for small business plans?
Yes, many plans include 24/7 telehealth access at no additional cost.
Final Thoughts
Highmark Small Business Health Insurance is one of the best options for small employers in 2025. With affordable premiums, nationwide BCBS network access, and wellness programs, it’s an excellent choice for businesses looking to protect employees while keeping costs manageable.
By combining group coverage with optional individual plans from the Health Insurance Marketplace, both employers and employees can achieve complete financial and health security.
If you’re a small business owner, investing in Highmark coverage not only strengthens your company but also shows employees that you value their health and wellbeing.
