Small Business might not be what you're looking for if you want to lower your insurance rates. Your California Individuals plan might have better coverage and lower rates than some group health plans. You should know that under group insurance, the insurance company or the employer or entity offering health benefits cannot discriminate its employees or members. Coverage is offered to everyone regardless of his health condition, so the rates for the insurance plan usually rise. There are some states that allow individuals to form a group and get Small Business. If all group members have spotless medical histories, chances are the group rates will be significantly lower than the rates of a California Individuals plan. You can ask a local insurance broker on how you can be a part of a group or if this is possible to do. The agent can also suggest what types of insurance policies will have the best group coverage. If you're looking to change to a group plan because you can't afford the rates of your California Individuals plan, then you can try state-funded health insurance programs. There are also high deductible health plans with a Health Savings Account attached. Such a plan will help you save money which you can use if you're going to need medical services in the future. The money you put in the HSA usually carry over to the net year so you still have some savings for medical emergencies. - July 3, 2009 @ 2:20 pm