You might want to ask your local health insurance broker about forming a group to get group coverage. Health insurance companies normally offer Small Business California plans to employees through their employers and to large associations. But even with an employment group, insurance companies require a minimum participation. Some mandate that 75% of all employees must participate in the group health plan for the insurer to offer such plan. If you're not sure if the group you'll establish will be able to get group coverage, then you should approach several insurance companies and brokers and ask if your plan is feasible. The insurance companies might look at the cost versus the income with such a plan, while your insurance agent might offer to help you look for individuals who can join your group and are interested in paying group rates for their insurance. There will be some companies who won't consider offering Small Business California plans to your group. In general, a group plan offers coverage to every member. Members who have health issues or those who are considered high risk individuals are given coverage though the group health plan. You can epect your insurance premium to rise because the plan will include everyone despite their medical histories. Pre-eisting condition eclusions will not apply in Small Business. Healthy members of your group might opt to get Individuals plans instead of getting the group plan because of the high insurance rates. - July 3, 2009 @ 2:23 pm