There are various options for the small business in Texas. You need to do some groundwork before settling on any one policy.
The cheapest option for a small business health insurance policy would be to go with a high deductible health maintenance organization or HMO. But the main drawback with this policy is that there is not much flexibility. The employees have to visit health care facilities which are listed within a network. And they will not be reimbursed for visiting other clinics or hospitals. Employees will also be required to make a small copayment at the time of receiving treatment. This can vary from 10$ to 20$ when the premium is around 200$ per month.
And if the employee needs to visit a specialist, he will need to get written permission from his primary care physician authorizing the visit. If not, he will not receive reimbursement for that visit.
On the other hand a Texas group insurance policy which follows the preferred provider organization route will have much more flexibility. But obviously, the cost will be a little more than an HMO. Under such a plan the employee does not need to take prior permission from his primary care physician if he needs to go to a specialist. And the network is much wider compared to a HMO. But there will be a higher out of pocket expenditure for all the flexibility that the employee enjoys. The premium under this option could range from 200 to 350$ a month. However, if you had a much lower deductible your premium could come up to around 500$.
A point of service option is a midway type of policy. Again, you will be assigned a primary care physician who will be in charge of all your medical needs. If and when you need a specialist, you will have to take his written consent to do so. A POS option could set you down around 400$ per month.
Individual coverage may be the only option available to some employees. An individual coverage option is not that cost effective compared to the aforementioned three types of policies. And the benefits available in such an option are also not that attractive. Hence it is better to have an HSA or health savings account in tandem with your policy. An HSA is not a conventional insurance policy. It is more of a savings account which will enable you to pay your hefty deductible amount from out of your pocket in case the need arises.
It works like a public provident fund. You and your employer will keep putting a fixed amount every month or year. And you are not allowed to withdraw from the account unless it is a medical emergency. However, if you do you will have to pay a penalty fee. You can withdraw a lump some once you reach the age of 65 though.