Group health insurance your team will value
Strong benefits help you hire the people you want and keep the people you have. We help Washington businesses from 2 employees to 200+ design a group health program that fits the budget and the team, then support it all year.
Washington and national carriers · Enrollment and year-round support
One of the most valued employee benefits
Group health insurance helps you attract talent, reduce turnover and keep your team healthy and productive. It generally offers lower per-person costs than the individual market, and premiums are generally tax-advantaged. As an independent broker, First Underwriters helps Washington businesses of every size choose the right mix of coverage, cost and carrier, from medical and dental to mental health, telemedicine, HSA-compatible plans and level-funded options.
See the group health package that fits your team
Choose your priorities and what you'd like to include, and we'll show a starting package. Educational guidance only: your actual plan depends on your census, budget and carrier options, and we'll build the real quote with you.
Your operation
Select everything that applies.
Coverage that typically applies
4 coverages — a starting point for a conversation, not a quote.
- Medical planA balanced PPO or EPO network with predictable costs is the usual starting point.
- HDHP + HSA medicalLowest premiums with tax-advantaged HSA savings.
- DentalPreventive, basic and major care on PPO or DHMO networks.
- VisionAnnual exams, frames and contacts allowance, and LASIK discounts.
How the employer contribution works
Group premium is split between you and your employees. Monthly cost depends on team size, plan richness and your contribution level. Most carriers require at least a 50% employer contribution to employee-only premium; 75% is a competitive level, and 100% means employees pay nothing for employee-only coverage. You can also contribute toward dependent coverage. Real premiums depend on your census, plan and carrier, and we model contribution strategies with you as part of the quote.
Find the plan structure that fits
Each plan type trades cost against provider freedom differently.
PPO — Preferred Provider Organization
The most flexible common plan. See any provider without a referral, with the best rates in-network and partial coverage out-of-network. Best for teams that value choice and will accept a higher premium for it.
HMO — Health Maintenance Organization
Lower premiums in exchange for staying in-network, with a primary care physician coordinating referrals. Best for cost-conscious groups comfortable with a defined network.
HDHP — High-Deductible Health Plan with HSA
The lowest premiums with a higher deductible and a Health Savings Account funded with pre-tax dollars; unused balances roll over and stay with the employee. Best for groups prioritizing low premium and tax savings.
EPO — Exclusive Provider Organization
No referrals needed, like a PPO, but coverage is limited to the plan network, like an HMO. Often priced between the two. Best for referral-free specialist access at a lower price than a full PPO.
Level-funded plan
A set monthly payment covers claims funding, administration and stop-loss insurance. If claims run below expectations, the group may receive a refund at year end. Best for healthier small and mid-sized groups comfortable with year-to-year variability.
Our approach to group health
Understand your needs
We learn about your team, your budget and the benefits that matter most to your people.
Market the coverage
We gather quotes across multiple carriers to find strong value and plan options.
Present your options
We explain the choices clearly, comparing costs, networks and plan features side by side.
Support year-round
From enrollment to claims questions and mid-year changes, we stay involved all year, not just at renewal.
Carriers we work with
We work with leading regional and national carriers, including Premera Blue Cross, Regence BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, LifeWise, Delta Dental, VSP Vision, MetLife, Guardian and Principal.
Group health insurance FAQs
How many employees do I need for group health insurance?
In Washington, you can typically qualify for small group health insurance with as few as 2 eligible employees. We work with businesses from 2 employees to 200-plus.
How much of the premium does an employer have to pay?
Most carriers require employers to contribute at least 50% of the employee-only premium, and often require a minimum participation percentage of eligible employees. You can choose to contribute more and to help with dependent coverage.
When can we enroll or make changes?
New groups can generally start coverage any month. Existing groups renew annually with an open enrollment window, and qualifying life events such as marriage, a new baby or loss of other coverage allow mid-year changes. We handle the enrollment timeline and paperwork with you.
What is a level-funded health plan?
A level-funded plan blends the predictable monthly payment of a fully insured plan with the potential savings of self-funding. You pay a set monthly amount covering claims funding, administration and stop-loss insurance; if claims run lower than expected, your group may receive a refund. It's a popular option for healthier small and mid-sized groups looking to control cost.
Do you help with enrollment and the paperwork?
Yes. We provide full enrollment support, including employee information sheets, benefit guides and help with forms or online enrollment systems, and we stay available all year for claims questions and mid-year changes. Request a benefits quote.
Benefits support beyond the quote
Right-sized plan design
From 2 employees to 200+, we match coverage, cost and carrier to your team, fully insured or level-funded.
Cost control
We market your group across carriers each year and model contribution strategies to keep rates competitive without weakening the benefit.
Year-round support
Enrollment, employee questions, claims help and renewal, handled by the same team throughout the year.
Ready to explore group health options?
We'll gather quotes across carriers and explain your options in plain language. Prefer email? Reach us at info@firstunderwriters.com. No obligation.
Coverage descriptions are general summaries for education. They are not legal, tax or coverage advice, a statement of coverage, an offer or a binder, and the package builder is a starting point for discussion rather than a quote. Plan availability, eligibility, networks, premiums and terms vary by carrier, group size, census and state rules and are subject to underwriting.