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

Small Business Health Insurance for Landscaping Companies in Lombard, Illinois

Small landscaping businesses in Lombard, IL, can choose between traditional group health plans or facilitating individual plans through GetCoveredIllinois.
In 2026, 5 confirmed carriers, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 2, which covers DuPage and Kane counties.
PPO plans are available on-exchange in Illinois, providing more network flexibility than HMOs or EPOs for Lombard businesses.
Premiums paid by employers for group health plans are generally tax-deductible, offering a significant financial benefit.

For small landscaping businesses in Lombard, Illinois, securing comprehensive health insurance for your team is a crucial decision, balancing employee well-being with budget realities. Whether you're a sole proprietor looking to expand benefits for your first few hires or managing a growing crew, understanding the available options in DuPage County is key. From traditional group plans to individual marketplace coverage facilitated by your business, Illinois offers various pathways to ensure your employees have access to care, with specific options and subsidies available through GetCoveredIllinois.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available for Landscaping Businesses in Lombard?

Small landscaping businesses in Lombard have several avenues to explore when providing health insurance, each with distinct advantages for employers and employees. The choice often depends on the size of your team, your budget, and the level of administrative involvement you prefer.

Traditional Group Health Plans: These are plans purchased by the employer for their employees. They typically require a minimum number of participating employees (often 70% or more) and offer a range of plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO plans. In Illinois, employers can deduct their contributions to employee premiums as a business expense, making them a tax-efficient option. Group plans often provide broader networks and a sense of stability for employees.

Individual Marketplace Plans (GetCoveredIllinois): As an employer, you can choose not to offer a group plan but instead direct your employees to the individual marketplace, GetCoveredIllinois. Here, employees can shop for plans and, if eligible based on household income, receive premium tax credits (subsidies) to lower their monthly costs. This option can be particularly attractive for smaller businesses or those with employees who might qualify for significant subsidies. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Illinois, meaning employees can access these more flexible network options through the state marketplace.

Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs): HRAs allow employers to reimburse employees for qualified medical expenses, including individual health insurance premiums. Options like the Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) or Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA) offer flexibility. QSEHRAs are for businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees and can reimburse premiums and out-of-pocket costs on a tax-free basis. ICHRAs are available for businesses of any size and can be used to reimburse individual health insurance premiums.

Lombard, located in DuPage County, is part of Illinois Rating Area 2, which also covers Kane County. This area reported a median household income of $100,362 in Lombard, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, indicating a strong local economy where quality benefits are often expected. The county itself has a population of 930,024 and an uninsured rate of 5.2%, also per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. While DuPage County does not have acute care hospitals within its boundaries, residents needing such services typically travel to neighboring counties.

Understanding Plan Types: HMO, EPO, and PPO Options in Illinois

When considering health insurance for your landscaping business, understanding the different plan types is crucial for both cost and access to care. In Illinois, marketplace shoppers and small businesses have access to a variety of options, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): HMOs typically offer lower premiums but require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the plan's network. Your PCP coordinates all your care and provides referrals to specialists. Care received outside the network is generally not covered, except in emergencies.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): EPOs combine features of HMOs and PPOs. You don't usually need a referral to see a specialist, but you must stay within the plan's network to have your care covered. Out-of-network care is typically not covered, similar to an HMO, but without the PCP gatekeeper.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): PPO plans offer the most flexibility. You don't need a referral to see a specialist, and you can see providers both in and out of the plan's network. However, going out-of-network usually means higher out-of-pocket costs. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Illinois, which is a significant advantage for businesses and individuals seeking broader provider choices.

For a landscaping business, the choice of plan type can impact how easily your employees can access specific doctors or hospitals, especially if they have existing relationships with out-of-network specialists.

Health Insurance Carriers in Lombard

For 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 2, which covers DuPage and Kane counties, providing options for small businesses and their employees in Lombard. These carriers include both national and regional providers, ensuring a competitive market. The confirmed carriers for this rating area are:

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

These carriers offer a range of plans across different metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and plan types (HMO, EPO, PPO), allowing businesses and individuals to find coverage that fits their needs and budget. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is one of the carriers offering PPO plans on-exchange in Illinois, expanding choices for those prioritizing network flexibility.

Navigating Subsidies and Medicaid for Your Landscaping Team

Understanding financial assistance and public programs is vital, especially for employees with varying income levels.

Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies): Many employees of small landscaping businesses in Lombard may qualify for premium tax credits through GetCoveredIllinois if their household income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). These subsidies can significantly reduce the monthly cost of individual health insurance premiums, making coverage more affordable. Eligibility for subsidies is based on income and household size, and whether affordable employer-sponsored coverage is available.

Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): In addition to premium tax credits, individuals with incomes up to 250% FPL may qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) if they enroll in a Silver-tier plan. CSRs reduce out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and maximum out-of-pocket limits, providing additional financial protection. These are automatically applied to eligible Silver plans.

Illinois Medicaid: Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014, meaning adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Illinois Medicaid. This program provides comprehensive health coverage with no monthly premiums and minimal out-of-pocket costs. For instance, pregnant women in Illinois are covered up to 213% FPL, and children through Illinois All Kids (CHIP equivalent) up to 313% FPL, making Illinois one of the most expansive states for child and maternal coverage. Employees whose incomes fall into these ranges should explore Medicaid as a primary option.

Choosing the Right Strategy for Your Lombard Landscaping Business

Deciding on the best health insurance approach for your landscaping business involves weighing several factors, including cost, administrative burden, and employee needs.

For businesses prioritizing tax benefits and comprehensive benefits: A traditional group health plan may be the best fit. Employer contributions are tax-deductible, and employees often value the perceived stability and quality of a group plan. You'll need to manage enrollment and compliance, but the benefits can outweigh the administrative effort.

For businesses seeking flexibility and lower administrative costs: Directing employees to GetCoveredIllinois or implementing an HRA (like a QSEHRA or ICHRA) can be highly effective. This approach minimizes your direct involvement in plan selection and allows employees to choose plans that best suit their individual needs, potentially leveraging subsidies. For a business with a median income of $100,362 in Lombard, this flexibility can be a valuable asset.

Ultimately, the best strategy aligns with your business's financial health and your goals for employee retention and satisfaction. Consider consulting with a licensed health insurance producer who can help you compare options specific to your Lombard-based landscaping company and navigate the nuances of Illinois' health insurance market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key health insurance options for a small landscaping business in Lombard?

Small landscaping businesses in Lombard can consider group health plans, which offer tax advantages and typically broader networks, or facilitate individual marketplace plans through GetCoveredIllinois, potentially with subsidies for employees. Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) are also a flexible option.

Can I get PPO plans through GetCoveredIllinois for my Lombard landscaping team?

Yes, PPO plans are available on-exchange through GetCoveredIllinois for residents and small businesses in Lombard, Illinois. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, among other carriers, offers PPO options in Rating Area 2, which includes DuPage and Kane counties.

Are there tax benefits for providing health insurance to my landscaping employees?

Yes, typically, premiums paid by an employer for group health insurance are tax-deductible as a business expense. If you use a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA), contributions are also tax-deductible for the employer and tax-free for employees.

What income levels qualify for Illinois Medicaid in Lombard?

In Illinois, adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Illinois Medicaid. For a single individual, this was approximately $20,783 in 2024. Pregnant women can qualify with incomes up to 213% FPL, and children up to 313% FPL through Illinois All Kids.