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Diving Into The CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Act was signed into legislation March 27, 2020, since then, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has been swamped with questions about how businesses should proceed.
While they are hoping to have guidelines released by the end of this week, local businesses are currently wondering how the relief pertains to them and how they can take advantage of these benefits.
The CARES Act offers considerable relief to businesses with less than 500 employees as well as nonprofits. Although there are multiple programs written into the Act, there are three programs available to businesses through the SBA:
The Emergency Economic Injury Grant program – it assists small companies that need a short-term cash boost and grants an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private nonprofits affected by COVID-19. In order to access the grant, a small business or private non-profit, should apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
The Paycheck Protection Program – it is being offered to cover the cost of retaining employees during the pandemic. Payments on the loans can be deferred for a year. If Employers retain employees during the specified coverage period (eight weeks between Feb. 15 and June 30) loans may be forgiven.
The maximum loan amount is 2.5 times the businesses’ monthly payroll and the loan cannot exceed $10 million per organization. Learn more here.
Small Business Debt Relief Program – for businesses struggling to make payments on a current Small Business Administration loans, the Small Business Administration will cover all loan payments on the loans, including principal, interest and fees for six months. The program itself received $17 billion in funding to provide immediate relief to small businesses. Learn more and apply for the program here.
The CARES Act covers a multitude of financial relief options to Employers and Employees alike, read the Act in its entirety here
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Small Business Health Insurance Plans in Washington
Finding the right health insurance for a small business in Washington State takes more than picking a plan off a rate sheet. With 10 to 50 employees, your company falls into the ACA small group market, which means every carrier must offer plans that cover Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) and follow community rating rules. Washington small group market is one of the most competitive in the country, with dozens of carriers fighting for your business.
At Washington Health Insurance Agency, we hold appointments with every health insurance carrier in the state. That means we compare every fully insured and level-funded option available to your company, then narrow the field to the top three most competitive plans. No call centers, no junior staff. Just direct access to senior-level brokers who know Washington insurance landscape inside and out.
Ready to compare your options? Get started with a free consultation or call us at 1-833-292-8844.
What Changed for Small Group Plans in 2026?
Washington State expanded its Essential Health Benefits benchmark plan effective January 1, 2026. If you purchase a small group insured health plan in Washington, these new benefits are automatically included in your coverage:
- Hearing aids: An annual hearing exam plus one hearing aid per ear for employees with documented hearing loss
- Expanded laboratory services: Coverage for point-of-care genetic tests performed during a medical visit, rather than requiring separate lab processing
- Broader mental health parity: Continued alignment with federal parity requirements under Washington updated benchmark
These expanded EHBs apply to all small group insured plans with plan years starting on or after January 1, 2026. If your current plan renewed before that date, you will see these benefits added at your next renewal.
How Does Small Group Health Insurance Work in Washington?
Under the Affordable Care Act, a small group is defined as a business with 1 to 50 full-time equivalent employees. Washington follows this federal definition. Here is how the small group market works in practice:
- Community rating: Carriers cannot charge different rates based on health status or claims history. Premiums are based on age, tobacco use, family size, and geographic rating area.
- Guaranteed issue: No employee can be denied coverage or charged more because of a pre-existing condition.
- Essential Health Benefits: Every plan must cover 10 categories of benefits, including hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity care, mental health services, and the new 2026 additions listed above.
- Minimum participation: Most carriers require at least 75% of eligible employees to enroll, though exceptions apply during open enrollment periods.
Comparing Small Business Health Insurance Options for Washington Employers
| Feature |
Fully Insured |
Level-Funded |
Self-Funded |
| Premium predictability |
High — fixed monthly premium |
Moderate — capped monthly cost |
Variable — pay actual claims |
| Cost savings potential |
Lower |
10–25% vs. fully insured |
20–40% vs. fully insured |
| Claims risk |
Carrier assumes all risk |
Shared — stop-loss caps your exposure |
Employer assumes claims risk |
| Best for |
10–25 employees, predictability-focused |
20–50 employees, moderate risk tolerance |
50+ employees or low-claims groups |
| WA carrier access (WHIA) |
All WA carriers |
All level-funded carriers |
TPA + stop-loss marketplace |
| Plan flexibility |
Standard ACA plans |
Customizable benefits |
Fully customizable |
Fully Insured Plans
The most common option for small groups. The insurance carrier assumes all risk, and your company pays a fixed monthly premium. Washington carriers like Premera Blue Cross, Regence, Kaiser Permanente, and Aetna all compete in this market. We request quotes from every one of them so you see the full picture.
Level-Funded Plans
A growing option for small groups with 10 or more employees. WHIA helps small employers evaluate level-funded health insurance plans that cap your monthly exposure while sharing in any claims savings. These plans combine a fixed monthly payment with stop-loss protection, giving your company the potential for refunds if claims come in lower than expected. They offer more flexibility in plan design than traditional fully insured products, and they are becoming increasingly popular among Washington employers looking to control costs without taking on significant financial risk.
Self-Funded Plans
For groups with favorable claims histories, WHIA also evaluates self-funded health plans that can deliver 20–40% savings vs. fully insured premiums. Under a self-funded arrangement, your company pays actual claims costs rather than a fixed premium. Stop-loss insurance protects against catastrophic claims, and a third-party administrator (TPA) handles day-to-day plan management. Self-funded plans are fully customizable and exempt from many state insurance mandates.
Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs)
Washington small businesses can pair group coverage with an HRA to help employees cover out-of-pocket costs. A first-dollar HRA with debit card access is one strategy WHIA implements to give employees immediate access to reimbursement funds without filing paperwork.
Not sure which plan type fits your business? Schedule a free phone consultation and we will walk you through the options.
Washington State Compliance Requirements for Small Group Employers
Running a small business in Washington comes with specific health insurance compliance obligations in 2026:
- ACA Employer Mandate: Businesses with 50 or more FTEs must offer affordable coverage that meets minimum value standards or face penalties. Businesses with fewer than 50 FTEs are not subject to the mandate but can still offer coverage.
- Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML): As of January 1, 2026, HB 1213 expanded PFML requirements. Employers with 25 or more employees must maintain existing health benefits for workers on PFML leave and provide written notice after 14 workdays of leave.
- COBRA and Mini-COBRA: Washington insurance continuation law applies to employers with fewer than 20 employees, providing up to 18 months of continued coverage after a qualifying event.
- Annual Reporting: Applicable large employers must file IRS Forms 1094-C and 1095-C. Small employers offering coverage through SHOP may have additional reporting requirements.
Why Washington Businesses Choose WHIA for Small Group Coverage
Most brokers work with a handful of carriers and push the plans that pay them the highest commissions. We do the opposite. WHIA is appointed with every health insurance carrier in Washington State, so we shop the entire market on your behalf. Our $2,500 advisory fee is fixed and transparent, backed by a guarantee: if we cannot demonstrate at least $5,000 in savings, we refund the fee in full.
Here is what that looks like in practice:
- A dedicated account manager who knows your company by name
- Side-by-side plan comparisons from 20+ carriers
- Hands-on support for enrollments, terminations, claims issues, and COBRA administration
- Quarterly benefits reviews to identify cost-saving opportunities before your next renewal
- Included HR support subscription and benefits compliance attorney access
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Group Health Insurance in Washington
How many employees do I need to qualify for small group coverage?
In Washington State, any business with at least one W-2 employee (other than the owner) can purchase a small group plan. The small group market covers businesses with 1 to 50 full-time equivalent employees.
When is open enrollment for small group plans in Washington?
Unlike individual market plans, small group plans do not follow a fixed open enrollment window. Your company can start or renew coverage at any time of year. Most businesses align their plan year with their fiscal year or a January 1 start date.
Can I keep my current plan if I switch brokers?
Yes. Switching to WHIA does not change your plan, your benefits, your medical cards, or your premiums. A simple Broker of Record form transfers your account to us, and we handle everything from there. You can make the switch at any time, not just at renewal.
What are the new 2026 Essential Health Benefits in Washington?
Starting with plan years beginning January 1, 2026, Washington added hearing aid coverage (annual exam plus one hearing aid per ear) and expanded laboratory services (point-of-care genetic testing) to the state EHB benchmark plan. All small group insured plans must include these benefits.
Get a free benefits analysis for your small business. Start here or call 1-833-292-8844 to speak with an account manager today.