Small Business Health Insurance in Glendale Heights, Illinois

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

Small businesses in Glendale Heights can choose between offering group plans or directing employees to individual coverage on GetCoveredIllinois.
Employees with household incomes up to 400% FPL often qualify for significant subsidies on GetCoveredIllinois, reducing their out-of-pocket costs.
In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Illinois Rating Area 2, which includes DuPage and Kane counties.
Eligible small employers (fewer than 25 FTEs) may qualify for a Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, covering up to 50% of premium contributions.

For small business owners in Glendale Heights, Illinois, navigating health insurance options for your employees involves understanding both traditional group plans and the robust individual marketplace available through GetCoveredIllinois. While larger employers face mandates, businesses with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees have flexibility in how they approach coverage, often seeking cost-effective solutions that benefit both the company and its staff. Many employees can find affordable, subsidized coverage on the individual marketplace, which can be a valuable alternative or complement to a group plan, especially in a community like Glendale Heights where the median household income is $86,545 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

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What Are the Health Insurance Options for Small Businesses in Glendale Heights?

Small businesses in Glendale Heights generally have two primary pathways for providing health insurance: offering a traditional group health plan or supporting employees in obtaining individual coverage through the state's health insurance marketplace, GetCoveredIllinois.

Glendale Heights, located in DuPage County, is part of Illinois Rating Area 2, which also covers Kane County. The area has a population of 32,808 with an uninsured rate of 11.6% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, highlighting the need for accessible and affordable health coverage options. Residents of DuPage County, which has no acute care hospitals within its boundaries, typically travel to neighboring counties for hospital services.

Traditional Group Health Plans

Group health plans are typically offered by employers directly to their employees. These plans can be a strong recruitment and retention tool. Key considerations include:

Eligibility: Most small group plans require a minimum number of participating employees (often 70% of eligible employees) and that the employer contributes a significant portion (e.g., 50%) of the premium.
Tax Advantages: Employer contributions to group health insurance premiums are generally tax-deductible for the business.
Small Business Health Care Tax Credit: If your small business has fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, pays average annual wages of less than $60,000, and you contribute at least 50% of the premium cost, you may qualify for a tax credit. This credit can cover up to 50% of your contribution, significantly lowering your net cost. This credit is available for two consecutive tax years.

Individual Coverage through GetCoveredIllinois

For many small businesses, particularly those with fewer than 10 employees or those struggling with the cost of group plans, encouraging employees to enroll in individual plans through GetCoveredIllinois can be a highly effective strategy.

Subsidies: A major advantage of individual plans on GetCoveredIllinois is the availability of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. These subsidies are based on household income and can dramatically reduce monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for eligible employees. For example, individuals and families earning between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) typically qualify for premium tax credits.
Medicaid Expansion: Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014, meaning adults with household incomes up to 138% FPL may qualify for comprehensive, low-cost coverage through Illinois Medicaid. This provides a crucial safety net for lower-income employees.
Flexibility: Employees can choose a plan that best fits their individual health needs and budget from a range of carriers and plan types.

Understanding Plan Types and Costs in Glendale Heights

When exploring health insurance in Glendale Heights, it's important to understand the different plan structures and how costs are determined. Illinois offers a variety of plan types on GetCoveredIllinois, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Illinois, offering more network flexibility than HMO or EPO options.

Average Monthly Premiums by Plan Metal Tier (Individual, before subsidies)

The costs below are illustrative averages for a 40-year-old non-smoker in Glendale Heights, Illinois, and do not reflect any subsidies for which an individual may qualify. Actual premiums vary based on age, tobacco use, household size, and specific plan choice.

Metal Tier	Average Monthly Premium Range	Key Features
Bronze	$350 - $550	Lowest premiums, highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Best for those who expect minimal medical care.
Silver	$450 - $700	Moderate premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. Offers Cost-Sharing Reductions for eligible incomes.
Gold	$550 - $850	Higher premiums, lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Good for those who expect regular medical care.

For individuals earning 100-250% FPL, Silver plans offer significant Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), which lower deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums, making them an excellent value.

Health Insurance Carriers in Glendale Heights

For the 2026 plan year, residents and small businesses in Glendale Heights, part of Illinois Rating Area 2, have access to marketplace plans from 5 confirmed carriers. These carriers offer a range of plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO options, ensuring a variety of choices for individuals and employees. The confirmed carriers offering marketplace plans in Rating Area 2, which covers DuPage and Kane counties, are:

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

It is important to compare plans from each carrier based on network, benefits, and costs to find the best fit for your specific needs.

Making the Best Health Insurance Decision for Your Small Business

Deciding on the best health insurance strategy for your small business in Glendale Heights depends on several factors, including your budget, the number of employees, and your employees' income levels.

Considerations for Small Business Owners:

Budget: Evaluate the cost of offering a group plan versus the potential savings if employees utilize subsidies on GetCoveredIllinois.
Employee Needs: Consider your employees' health needs, preferred doctors, and financial situations. If many employees qualify for significant subsidies, directing them to the individual marketplace might provide better, more affordable coverage for them.
Administrative Burden: Group plans can involve more administrative tasks for the employer, while individual plans shift that burden to the employee (with broker support available).
Tax Credits: Don't overlook the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit if your business qualifies.

Steps for Employees:

If your small business does not offer a group plan, or if employees prefer individual coverage:

Visit GetCoveredIllinois: This is the official state marketplace for Illinois.
Estimate Income: Provide accurate household income estimates to determine eligibility for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions.
Compare Plans: Review the available HMO, EPO, and PPO plans from carriers like Ambetter, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Molina Healthcare, Oscar Health, and United Healthcare, considering premiums, deductibles, copays, and networks.
Apply for Illinois Medicaid: If income is at or below 138% FPL, apply for Illinois Medicaid through ABE (abe.illinois.gov) or call the DHS helpline. Pregnant women in Illinois with income up to 213% FPL and children up to 313% FPL may qualify for comprehensive coverage through Illinois Medicaid or Illinois All Kids (CHIP equivalent).

A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, helping you compare group and individual options, understand subsidy eligibility, and navigate the enrollment process for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health insurance options for small businesses in Glendale Heights?

Small businesses in Glendale Heights can explore traditional group health plans, often through a broker, or direct employees to the individual marketplace via GetCoveredIllinois. For very small businesses or self-employed individuals, individual plans with subsidies often provide a cost-effective solution.

Can my small business get tax credits for offering health insurance in Illinois?

Yes, if you have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, pay average annual wages of less than $60,000, and contribute at least 50% of the premium cost, you may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. This credit can cover up to 50% of your contribution for small business employers.

How do employees in Glendale Heights get subsidies for health insurance?

Employees who purchase individual health insurance through GetCoveredIllinois may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions if their household income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). These subsidies significantly lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, making coverage more affordable.

What types of health plans are available in Glendale Heights?

In Glendale Heights, which is part of Illinois Rating Area 2, individuals and small groups can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO health plans. PPO plans are available on-exchange through GetCoveredIllinois, offering more flexibility in provider choice compared to HMO or EPO plans.