Small Business Health Insurance in Burbank, Illinois

Small businesses in Burbank with 1 to 50 employees can offer group health plans, including through the SHOP marketplace.
Eligible small businesses may qualify for a tax credit covering up to 50% of premium costs if they have fewer than 25 FTEs and pay average wages under $60,000.
In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which includes Burbank, providing options for small business plans.
Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014, allowing adults with income up to 138% FPL to qualify, offering a safety net for employees who might not be covered by a group plan.

Navigating health insurance options for your small business in Burbank, Illinois, involves understanding both state-specific regulations and federal programs designed to support employers. Small businesses with 1 to 50 employees have several avenues to provide health coverage, ranging from traditional group plans to options available through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) marketplace. These choices can help you offer competitive benefits to your team while managing costs, potentially utilizing tax credits to reduce your financial burden. For many small business owners in Burbank, finding the right balance between comprehensive coverage and affordability is key to retaining talent and ensuring employee well-being.

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What Are Your Small Business Health Insurance Options in Burbank?

Small business owners in Burbank have a few primary routes for securing health insurance for their employees:

The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace: The SHOP marketplace, part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), allows small employers (typically those with 1 to 50 employees) to offer health and dental coverage to their employees. Through SHOP, businesses can choose from various plans and may be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. In Illinois, you can access SHOP plans through a licensed agent or directly from carriers.
Directly from Private Carriers: Many health insurance carriers offer small group plans directly to employers outside of the SHOP marketplace. This can provide a broader range of plan designs and networks, though eligibility for tax credits is typically tied to SHOP enrollment.
Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs): For very small businesses or those looking to outsource HR functions, joining a PEO can provide access to large-group health plans. PEOs co-employ your staff, allowing you to benefit from their aggregated purchasing power for benefits.
Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA): An ICHRA allows employers to reimburse employees for health insurance premiums they purchase on the individual marketplace (like GetCoveredIllinois) or other private plans. This offers flexibility to employees while providing a defined contribution from the employer.

The best option for your Burbank business will depend on factors like the number of employees, your budget, and the level of administrative involvement you prefer.

Understanding the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit is a significant incentive for eligible small employers in Burbank to offer health insurance. This credit can cover up to 50% of the premium costs paid by the employer (up to 35% for tax-exempt organizations). To qualify for the maximum credit, your business generally needs to meet the following criteria:

Have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Pay average annual wages of less than $60,000 per FTE.
Contribute at least 50% of the premium costs for each employee.
Purchase coverage through the SHOP marketplace.

The credit is available for two consecutive tax years. It's crucial to consult with a tax professional to understand how this credit can benefit your specific business in Burbank and to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.

Health Insurance Carriers in Burbank

Small businesses in Burbank, Illinois, are part of Rating Area 1. In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, providing a range of options for small group coverage. These carriers include:

Ambetter
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Molina Healthcare
Oscar Health
United Healthcare

These carriers offer various plan types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, which are all available on-exchange in Illinois. When evaluating options, consider the network of doctors and hospitals, plan deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and prescription drug coverage to find the best fit for your employees' needs. Major healthcare systems like Loyola Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in nearby Melrose Park, as well as the numerous other acute care hospitals in Cook County, are generally part of these carrier networks.

How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Burbank Small Business

Selecting the ideal health insurance plan involves balancing cost, coverage, and employee needs. Here's a structured approach for small businesses in Burbank:

Assess Your Budget: Determine how much your business can realistically contribute to employee premiums. Remember to factor in potential tax credits.
Understand Employee Needs: Consider the age, health status, and preferences of your employees. Do they prioritize lower premiums, comprehensive coverage, or specific doctors/hospitals?
Compare Plan Types:
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Typically lower cost, requires a primary care provider (PCP) and referrals for specialists.
- EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): Offers a network of providers, but generally doesn't require a PCP referral. Out-of-network care is usually not covered.
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Most flexible, allows out-of-network care (at a higher cost) and does not require referrals for specialists. PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Illinois.
Evaluate Networks: Check if key local providers, such as those associated with Loyola Gottlieb Memorial Hospital or other major Cook County facilities, are in the plan's network.
Consider Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Maximums: Higher deductibles often mean lower premiums, but employees will pay more upfront for care.
Seek Expert Advice: A licensed health insurance agent specializing in small group plans can provide invaluable guidance, help you compare options, and assist with enrollment.

Updated July 2026 · IllinoisPlanFinder.com — Licensed Health Insurance Producer (NPN #21249133)

Burbank, Illinois, located in Cook County, has a population of 28,739 with an uninsured rate of 11.1%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Cook County's extensive network of 46 acute care hospitals, including major systems like Loyola University Medical Center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital, provides comprehensive medical facilities for residents. Small businesses in this region can leverage the robust healthcare infrastructure and diverse plan offerings within Rating Area 1 to provide quality coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum number of employees for a small business health plan in Illinois?

In Illinois, a small business typically needs at least one full-time equivalent employee (other than the owner or spouse) to qualify for a group health insurance plan. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) defines small businesses as those with 1 to 50 employees.

Can small businesses in Burbank get tax credits for health insurance?

Yes, eligible small businesses in Burbank may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, which can cover up to 50% of premium costs for employers and up to 35% for tax-exempt organizations. To qualify, you must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, pay average wages of less than $60,000 per year, and contribute at least 50% of your employees' premium costs.

What types of health plans are available for small businesses in Burbank?

Small businesses in Burbank, Illinois, can choose from various plan types including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. These are available through the private market or the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) marketplace.