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

Small Business Health Insurance for Accounting & Tax Firms in Farmington, UT

Farmington small businesses, including accounting and tax firms, have 4 confirmed marketplace carriers in Rating Area 3 for 2026.
Utah's marketplace (HealthCare.gov) offers HMO and EPO plans; PPO plans are not available on-exchange.
Small group plans typically require at least one owner and one non-owner employee for enrollment.
Self-employed accounting professionals in Farmington can often deduct 100% of their health insurance premiums.

For small accounting and tax firms in Farmington, Utah, securing appropriate health insurance for owners and employees is a critical decision in 2026. Options range from individual plans on HealthCare.gov for solo practitioners or very small teams to Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) plans or traditional group coverage for firms with multiple employees. Understanding the unique tax implications and plan types available in Utah's Rating Area 3 is essential for making an informed choice that balances cost, coverage, and compliance.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available for Small Businesses in Farmington?

Small businesses in Farmington, including those in the accounting and tax sector, have several pathways to health coverage depending on their size, budget, and employee needs.

Individual Marketplace Plans: For solo practitioners or firms where employees prefer to choose their own plans, individual coverage through HealthCare.gov is an option. Eligible individuals may qualify for premium tax credits based on household income. In Utah, the marketplace offers Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans.
Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Plans: HealthCare.gov also hosts SHOP plans, designed for small employers (typically 1-50 employees). These plans allow businesses to offer coverage to their employees and may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, which can cover up to 50% of employer-paid premiums for eligible small employers.
Off-Marketplace Group Plans: Many private insurance companies offer group health plans directly to small businesses outside of the HealthCare.gov marketplace. These plans often provide more flexibility in terms of network types (including PPOs, which are not available on-exchange in Utah) and plan designs, but they do not qualify for premium tax credits.
Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs): For firms that cannot or choose not to offer a traditional group plan, an HRA, such as a Qualified Small Employer HRA (QSEHRA) or Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA), allows employers to reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses on a tax-free basis.

Farmington, with a population of 25,389 and a median household income of $127,338 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is part of Davis County. The county itself has a population of 370,924 with a median income of $110,884. The uninsured rate in Farmington is 2.5%, significantly lower than the broader Davis County uninsured rate of 5.7%. For small business owners and their employees, understanding these local dynamics and how they impact health care access and costs is important.

Navigating Utah's HealthCare.gov Marketplace for Small Businesses

Utah operates a federal marketplace through HealthCare.gov, which serves as the primary hub for individual and small group health insurance enrollment. For small accounting and tax firms in Farmington, understanding the marketplace's structure is key.

Plan Types Available on HealthCare.gov in Utah

Unlike some states, Utah's HealthCare.gov marketplace exclusively offers Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. This means that PPO plans are NOT available on-exchange.

HMO Plans: Typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network and get referrals for specialists. They generally have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs but offer less flexibility in choosing providers outside the network.
EPO Plans: Do not require a PCP referral for specialists, but you must stay within the plan's network for services to be covered, except in emergencies. They offer a balance between network flexibility and cost.

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Eligibility

Small businesses in Farmington, including accounting and tax firms, that purchase SHOP plans through HealthCare.gov may be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. To qualify, you generally must:

Have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Pay average wages of less than $58,000 per year per FTE.
Pay at least 50% of your employees' premium costs.

The maximum credit is 50% of premiums paid for small business employers and 35% for small tax-exempt employers. This credit can significantly reduce the cost of offering health benefits.

Health Insurance Carriers in Farmington

For 2026, 4 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which covers Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, and Wasatch counties. Small businesses and individuals in Farmington can choose from plans offered by these confirmed carriers:

BridgeSpan Health Company
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah
Select Health
University of Utah Health Plans

These carriers provide a range of HMO and EPO plans across different metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), allowing firms to select options that best fit their budget and coverage needs. When evaluating plans, consider not only premiums but also deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and the included provider networks. Major hospital systems serving Davis County, such as Holy Cross Hospital-davis in Layton and Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful, are typically included in the networks of these local carriers.

Tax Considerations for Accounting and Tax Firms Offering Health Insurance

Understanding the tax implications of health insurance is particularly relevant for accounting and tax professionals.

Deducting Premiums for Self-Employed Individuals

If you are a self-employed individual in Farmington who owns an accounting or tax firm and are not eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan, you can generally deduct 100% of the health insurance premiums you pay for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. This deduction is taken directly on your tax return and reduces your adjusted gross income (AGI). This is often referred to as the self-employed health insurance deduction (IRC Section 162(l)).

Employer Deductions for Group Plans

For small accounting firms that offer group health insurance, the premiums paid by the employer are typically tax-deductible business expenses. This means the cost of providing health benefits reduces the firm's taxable income, making group coverage a more affordable option than the sticker price might suggest. Employee contributions to premiums through pre-tax payroll deductions are also common, offering tax savings to employees.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

Many high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are compatible with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). For accounting and tax professionals, HSAs offer a triple tax advantage:

Contributions are tax-deductible.
Earnings grow tax-free.
Qualified withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.

Both employers and employees can contribute to HSAs, making them an attractive option for long-term health savings and tax efficiency.

Making the Right Health Insurance Decision for Your Farmington Firm

Choosing the optimal health insurance strategy for your small accounting or tax firm in Farmington involves weighing several factors, including the number of employees, budget, desired plan flexibility, and tax advantages.

Scenario	Recommended Action	Key Considerations
Solo Practitioner (no employees)	Explore individual plans on HealthCare.gov or a QSEHRA.	Eligibility for premium tax credits; self-employed health insurance deduction; HSA compatibility.
1-2 Employees (including owner)	Consider SHOP plans, off-marketplace group plans, or ICHRA.	Small Business Health Care Tax Credit eligibility; carrier participation requirements; PPO availability off-marketplace.
3-50 Employees	Evaluate SHOP plans, traditional off-marketplace group plans, or ICHRA.	Employee participation rates; administrative burden; range of plan types and networks.
Prioritizing Cost Savings	Focus on Bronze/Silver plans on-exchange with subsidies, or high-deductible plans with HSAs.	Balance premiums with out-of-pocket costs; utilize tax credits if eligible.
Prioritizing Network Access	Review carrier networks carefully; consider off-marketplace PPO options if essential.	HMO/EPO networks on-exchange; access to specific hospitals like Intermountain Health Layton Hospital.

For firms whose employees may have lower incomes, it's important to note that Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020. Adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Utah Medicaid, which provides comprehensive coverage with no premiums or deductibles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health insurance options for small accounting firms in Farmington, Utah?

Small accounting and tax firms in Farmington, Utah, can consider several health insurance options, including Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) plans through HealthCare.gov, off-marketplace group plans, or individual marketplace plans for owners and employees if a group plan isn't feasible. Options for 2026 in Rating Area 3 include plans from BridgeSpan Health Company, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, Select Health, and University of Utah Health Plans.

Are PPO plans available for small businesses on the Utah marketplace?

No, PPO plans are not available on the HealthCare.gov marketplace in Utah. Small businesses seeking health coverage through the exchange in Farmington will find HMO and EPO network structures as their primary options. PPO plans may be available through off-marketplace group plans, but these typically do not qualify for premium tax credits.

Can small business owners in Farmington deduct health insurance premiums?

Yes, small business owners, including those in accounting and tax, may be able to deduct health insurance premiums. If you are self-employed and not eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan, you can typically deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums through the self-employed health insurance deduction (IRC Section 162(l)). For group plans, premiums paid by the employer are generally tax-deductible business expenses.

What is the minimum number of employees for a small group health plan in Utah?

In Utah, a small group typically refers to businesses with 1 to 50 full-time equivalent employees. To qualify for a small group health plan, most carriers require at least one owner and one other non-owner employee enrolling in the plan. Specific participation requirements can vary by carrier, often requiring a certain percentage of eligible employees to enroll.