Small Business Health Insurance in Highland Park, Illinois

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

Small businesses in Highland Park can use the Illinois SHOP Marketplace, GetCoveredIllinois, to find group plans.
In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which includes Lake and McHenry counties.
Eligible small businesses may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, covering up to 50% of premium costs.
Illinois offers HMO, EPO, and PPO plan types on-exchange for small groups and individuals.

Navigating health insurance options for your small business in Highland Park, Illinois, can seem complex, but several avenues exist to provide coverage for your employees. Small businesses typically have access to group health plans through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace, also known as GetCoveredIllinois, or directly from private insurers. These plans can offer comprehensive benefits and, for eligible businesses, significant tax credits that reduce the cost of providing coverage. Understanding the local market, including available carriers and plan types like HMO, EPO, and PPO, is key to making an informed decision that meets both your business's budget and your employees' needs.

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What Are Your Options for Small Business Health Insurance?

Small businesses in Highland Park have several primary options for securing health insurance:

SHOP Marketplace (GetCoveredIllinois): This is the official state-based marketplace for small employers. It allows you to compare plans from different carriers, enroll online, and potentially qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. To be eligible, you generally need 1-50 full-time equivalent employees.
Direct from Insurers: Many insurance companies offer small group plans directly to businesses outside the SHOP Marketplace. While these plans may not be eligible for the tax credit, they can sometimes offer more flexibility in terms of plan design or network.
Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs): If your business partners with a PEO, they can often provide access to health insurance plans through their larger group, potentially offering more competitive rates and administrative support.
Defined Contribution: Instead of offering a specific group plan, you can provide employees with a fixed amount of money to purchase their own individual health insurance. This is often done through a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) or an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA).

For businesses with just one employee (often the owner), individual plans purchased through GetCoveredIllinois may also be an option, particularly if the individual qualifies for premium tax credits based on household income.

Understanding the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit can significantly reduce the cost of offering health insurance to your employees. To qualify, your small business in Highland Park must meet specific criteria:

You must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Your average employee salary must be less than approximately $60,000 per year (this figure is adjusted annually).
You must pay at least 50% of your employees' premium costs.
You must purchase coverage through the SHOP Marketplace (GetCoveredIllinois).

The maximum credit is 50% of the employer-paid premiums for small businesses and 35% for tax-exempt organizations. This credit is available for two consecutive tax years. Leveraging this credit can make offering comprehensive health benefits much more affordable for Highland Park businesses.

Health Insurance Carriers in Highland Park

In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which covers Lake and McHenry counties, including Highland Park. These carriers provide a range of options for small businesses and individuals:

Ambetter: Offers various plans, typically focusing on more affordable options with specific networks.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois: A widely recognized insurer, offering a broad selection of Health Maintenance Organization, Exclusive Provider Organization, and Preferred Provider Organization plans, including PPO options on-exchange.
Molina Healthcare: Provides cost-effective plans, often with a focus on integrated care.
Oscar Health: Known for its technology-driven approach and user-friendly digital tools, offering various plan structures.
United Healthcare: A large national carrier offering a variety of plans and network options in the Illinois marketplace.

When selecting a plan for your small business, consider not only the premium costs but also the network of doctors and hospitals, the deductible, out-of-pocket maximums, and prescription drug coverage. Highland Park, with a population of 30,398 and a median income of $168,094 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is situated in Lake County. Lake County's 714,223 residents benefit from a robust healthcare infrastructure, including major facilities like Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital in Lake Forest and Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, which are part of the broader network accessible through these carriers.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Highland Park Business

Selecting the ideal health insurance plan involves balancing costs, benefits, and employee needs. Here's a structured approach:

Factor	Consideration for Small Business	Action Steps
Budget & Tax Credits	Determine how much your business can realistically contribute to premiums. Assess eligibility for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.	Use the GetCoveredIllinois SHOP Marketplace to compare plans and determine credit eligibility. Consult with an insurance agent or tax professional.
Employee Needs	Consider your employees' demographics, typical healthcare usage, and preferred doctors/hospitals. Ask about their current providers.	Survey employees (anonymously) to gauge priorities (e.g., low deductible, specific doctors, prescription coverage).
Plan Types	Understand the differences between HMO, EPO, and PPO plans regarding network flexibility and referral requirements. Illinois offers all three on-exchange.	Decide if network breadth (PPO) or lower cost (HMO/EPO) is a higher priority for your workforce.
Network Access	Verify that key local hospitals and providers in Lake County, such as Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan or Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, are in-network for chosen plans.	Check carrier provider directories for each plan option.
Deductibles & Copays	Evaluate how out-of-pocket costs will impact your employees. High-deductible plans often have lower premiums but higher costs when care is needed.	Communicate clearly about cost-sharing with employees to manage expectations.

Remember, a licensed health insurance producer specializing in small business plans can provide personalized guidance, help you compare options, and navigate the application process at no additional cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Illinois, to qualify for a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) plan, you generally need at least one common law employee other than yourself, your spouse, or a family member. Most small group plans are available to businesses with 1 to 50 full-time equivalent employees.

Can a small business in Highland Park get a tax credit for offering health insurance?

Yes, eligible small businesses in Highland Park with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees and average wages less than approximately $60,000 (adjusted annually) may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. You must pay at least 50% of your employees' premium costs and purchase coverage through the SHOP Marketplace (GetCoveredIllinois).

What types of plans are available for small businesses in Highland Park?

Small businesses in Highland Park, Illinois, can access various plan types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. The specific availability depends on the carrier and your rating area, Rating Area 3, which covers Lake and McHenry counties.

Is it mandatory for small businesses in Illinois to offer health insurance?

No, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) does not mandate that small businesses (those with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees) offer health insurance to their employees. The employer mandate applies only to Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees.