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

Small Business Health Insurance for Roofing Companies in Joliet, Illinois

Small roofing businesses in Joliet, Illinois, can access group health plans from 5 confirmed carriers in Rating Area 4 for 2026.
Employers may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, covering up to 50% of premium costs if they meet specific size and contribution requirements.
Illinois expanded Medicaid in 2014, allowing adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to qualify for state-sponsored coverage.
PPO plans are available on-exchange via GetCoveredIllinois, alongside HMO and EPO options, offering flexibility for small business owners and their employees.

For small roofing businesses in Joliet, Illinois, providing health insurance to your team is a critical decision that impacts recruitment, retention, and financial stability. Navigating the options, from traditional group plans to individual marketplace coverage, requires understanding local market specifics and eligibility rules. In Joliet and the broader Will County area, employers have access to a variety of plans designed to meet diverse needs, with potential tax advantages for those who qualify. This guide outlines the key considerations for securing health insurance that supports your roofing company and its employees.

Get Your Free Health Insurance Quote

A licensed agent can compare coverage options for you at no cost.

✓

You're all set!

A licensed agent will reach out shortly.

Understanding Small Business Health Insurance Options in Joliet

Small businesses in Joliet, including roofing contractors, generally have two primary pathways for providing health insurance: traditional group health plans or supporting employees in purchasing individual coverage through the GetCoveredIllinois marketplace. The best option depends on your business size, budget, and employee demographics.

Traditional Group Health Plans

Group health plans are employer-sponsored benefits that cover employees and often their dependents. In Illinois, small employers (typically 1–50 employees) can purchase plans through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) or directly from insurance carriers. These plans are often competitive, with employers usually contributing a significant portion of the premiums. Key features of group plans for roofing businesses:

Shared Costs: Employers typically pay a percentage of employee premiums, with employees covering the rest.
Tax Deductions: Employer contributions to group health insurance premiums are generally 100% tax-deductible as a business expense.
Attract and Retain Talent: Offering robust benefits helps attract skilled roofers and reduces employee turnover.
Guaranteed Issue: Group plans are guaranteed issue, meaning employees cannot be denied coverage based on health status.

Supporting Individual Marketplace Coverage

While less common for established small businesses, some employers opt to provide funds (e.g., through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement or HRA) for employees to purchase their own plans on GetCoveredIllinois. This can be particularly appealing for very small teams or if employees prefer more personalized plan choices. Employees may also qualify for premium tax credits based on household income and size, which are unavailable for traditional group plans.

Eligibility and Participation Requirements for Group Plans

For a small roofing business in Joliet to qualify for a group health plan, specific criteria generally apply:

Minimum Employees: Most carriers require a minimum of two full-time employees enrolling in the plan, not including the owner or their spouse if they are the only two on the plan. Sole proprietors without additional employees typically cannot purchase a group plan.
Participation Rate: Carriers often require a certain percentage of eligible employees (e.g., 70% in Illinois) to enroll in the plan. Employees with other coverage (like a spouse's plan or Medicare) can sign a waiver and are not counted against this participation rate.
Employer Contribution: Employers are usually required to contribute a minimum percentage towards employee premiums, often 50% or more.

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit can significantly reduce the cost of offering health insurance. Roofing companies in Joliet may qualify if they meet the following conditions:

You have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
The average annual wage of your employees is less than approximately $58,000 (indexed for inflation).
You contribute at least 50% of the cost of employee-only health insurance premiums.
You purchase coverage through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) marketplace or a similar qualified plan.

This credit can cover up to 50% of the employer's premium contributions, making health insurance more affordable for qualifying small businesses.

Health Insurance Carriers in Joliet

For small businesses and individuals in Joliet, Illinois, health insurance plans are offered through Rating Area 4, which covers Grundy, Kankakee, Will, and Williamson counties. In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in this rating area, providing a range of options for small businesses and their employees. These carriers offer various plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO plans, ensuring flexibility in network and coverage structure. The confirmed carriers offering plans in Joliet's Rating Area 4 are:

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

When selecting a plan, consider network access, specific benefits, and cost-sharing structures that best fit the needs of your roofing company's employees.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Roofing Business

Selecting the ideal health insurance plan involves weighing several factors unique to your business and workforce:

Budget: Determine how much your business can realistically contribute to premiums and what employees can afford for their share.
Employee Needs: Consider the age, health status, and preferences of your employees. Do they prioritize lower premiums, broader networks, or specific benefits?
Network Access: Evaluate if the plan's network includes preferred doctors, specialists, or hospitals convenient for your team, such as Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet or Silver Cross Hospital and Medical Centers in New Lenox.
Plan Type: Decide between HMOs (often lower cost, restricted networks), EPOs (broader than HMO, no out-of-network), or PPOs (most flexibility, higher cost). PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Illinois, offering more choice.
Tax Advantages: Explore how different plan structures might impact your business's eligibility for tax deductions or the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

Joliet, part of Will County, has a population of 150,445 residents with a median household income of $92,201 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. The uninsured rate in Joliet is 8.1%, while Will County as a whole has a lower uninsured rate of 5.2% among its 701,462 residents. Ensuring access to care through local facilities like Saint Joseph Medical Center is a significant factor for residents and businesses in this community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum requirements for a small business group health plan in Illinois?

In Illinois, most small business group health plans require at least 70% participation from eligible employees (after waivers). Generally, you need at least two employees to form a group, not including the owner or their spouse if they are the only two on the plan. Some carriers may have different minimums, so it's essential to check with a licensed producer.

Can I get health insurance for my roofing company if I'm a sole proprietor in Joliet?

As a sole proprietor in Joliet, you typically cannot access traditional small group health insurance unless you have at least one full-time employee other than yourself. However, you can explore individual plans through GetCoveredIllinois, the state's marketplace, where you may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions based on your income.

Are there tax benefits for offering health insurance to employees of a roofing business?

Yes, small businesses offering health insurance can often deduct 100% of their premium contributions as a business expense. Additionally, employers with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, paying average wages of less than $58,000, and contributing at least 50% of employee premium costs may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, which can cover up to 50% of premiums.

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

Small businesses in Joliet can access various plan types, including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs), and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). The specific plan types and networks available will depend on the carrier and the group plan options they offer in Rating Area 4.

Get Your Free Quote

Navigating the complexities of small business health insurance can be challenging, especially when considering different plan types, carrier options, and tax implications. A licensed health insurance producer specializing in the Joliet market can provide tailored guidance, help you compare quotes from local carriers, and ensure you understand all eligibility requirements and potential tax credits. Get a personalized quote today to find the best health insurance solution for your roofing company and its valued employees.