Small Business Health Insurance for Accounting and Tax Firms in Kearns, UT

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

Small accounting and tax firms in Kearns can choose from traditional group plans or Individual Coverage HRAs (ICHRA) for their employees.
In 2026, 5 confirmed carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which includes Salt Lake County, providing options for individual coverage.
Utah's expanded Medicaid covers adults up to 138% FPL, and pregnant women up to 144% FPL, reducing the need for employer-sponsored coverage for some employees.
Group health plan premiums are typically 100% tax-deductible for the business, and employee benefits are tax-free.
Kearns, part of Salt Lake County, has a median income of $97,494 and an uninsured rate of 9.2%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

For accounting and tax firms in Kearns, Utah, finding the right health insurance solution for your team is a critical decision that impacts employee retention, financial planning, and compliance. Given the unique demands of the accounting and tax industry, where talent retention is key, offering competitive benefits can set your firm apart. Options range from traditional group health plans to more flexible arrangements like Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA), or even assisting employees with individual marketplace plans through HealthCare.gov. Understanding the local market, including available carriers and plan types in Salt Lake County, is essential for making an informed choice for your Kearns-based business.

Get Your Free Health Insurance Quote

A licensed agent can compare coverage options for you at no cost.

✓

You're all set!

A licensed agent will reach out shortly.

What Health Insurance Options Are Available for Kearns Accounting Firms?

Small businesses in the accounting and tax sector in Kearns have several pathways to provide health insurance benefits. The most common options include:

Traditional Group Health Plans: These are plans purchased by your firm for your employees. They typically require a minimum number of participating employees (often two or more, excluding the owner) and a certain percentage of employee participation. Premiums are usually shared between the employer and employees, and the employer's contributions are generally tax-deductible.
Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA): An ICHRA allows employers to reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and other qualified medical expenses. This offers flexibility, as employees choose their own plans from HealthCare.gov or off-marketplace, while the employer defines the contribution amount. This can be particularly appealing in Utah, where individual marketplace plans offer a range of HMO and EPO options.
Facilitating Individual Marketplace Plans: While not direct employer-sponsored coverage, some firms opt to provide resources or guidance to help employees enroll in individual plans through HealthCare.gov. Employees may qualify for premium tax credits based on their household income, which can significantly lower their costs. This approach can be beneficial for very small firms or those seeking to minimize administrative burden.

Each option has distinct advantages and considerations regarding cost, flexibility, and administrative complexity.

Understanding Health Plan Types in Utah's Marketplace

When considering health insurance for your accounting and tax firm's employees in Kearns, it is important to understand the types of plans available, especially if employees will be utilizing the HealthCare.gov marketplace. In Utah, marketplace plans primarily consist of:

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans: These plans typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the plan's network and obtain referrals from your PCP to see specialists. HMOs generally have lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs compared to other plan types.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plans: EPO plans offer a network of doctors and hospitals, but you typically do not need a referral to see a specialist within that network. However, EPOs generally do not cover out-of-network care, except in emergencies.

It is important to note that PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans are NOT available on-exchange in Utah. Therefore, if your firm is guiding employees to the HealthCare.gov marketplace, their choice will be between HMO and EPO network structures. For those seeking PPO plans, they would need to explore off-marketplace options, which do not qualify for federal premium subsidies.

Tax Advantages of Offering Health Benefits for Small Businesses

For accounting and tax firms, understanding the tax implications of offering health insurance is as crucial as the coverage itself. Both traditional group plans and ICHRA offer significant tax benefits:

Employer Deductions: Premiums paid by an employer for a traditional group health plan are generally 100% tax-deductible as a business expense. Similarly, contributions made by an employer to an ICHRA are also tax-deductible.
Tax-Free Employee Benefits: For employees, the value of employer-sponsored health insurance premiums (for group plans) and reimbursements received through an ICHRA for qualified medical expenses are typically excluded from their gross income. This means employees do not pay income tax on these benefits.
Small Business Health Care Tax Credit: Small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, who pay at least 50% of employee premium costs, may be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. This credit can cover up to 50% of the employer's contribution to employee premiums, significantly reducing the net cost of providing coverage. Eligibility depends on average employee wages and the number of full-time equivalent employees.

These tax advantages can make offering health benefits more affordable and appealing for Kearns accounting and tax firms.

Health Insurance Carriers in Kearns

Kearns, located in Salt Lake County, is part of Utah Rating Area 3. In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which covers Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, and Wasatch counties. These confirmed local carriers provide a range of HMO and EPO plan options for individuals and small groups:

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

These carriers offer various plan tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) with different levels of cost-sharing and monthly premiums. Firms exploring group plans or ICHRA options will work with these or other carriers directly or through a licensed agent to find suitable plans. Salt Lake County's 10 acute care hospitals, including Holy Cross Hospital - Salt Lake, University of Utah Hospital and Clinics, and Intermountain Medical Center, serve a population of 1,196,523 with a 9.2% uninsured rate, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This robust healthcare infrastructure provided by major systems like Intermountain Health and University of Utah Health Plans is a key consideration for employees in Rating Area 3.

Making the Right Decision for Your Kearns Accounting Firm

Choosing the best health insurance strategy for your accounting and tax firm in Kearns depends on several factors:

Factor	Traditional Group Plan	Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA)	Facilitating Individual Plans
Control & Standardization	High; all employees on same plan.	Medium; employer sets contribution, employees choose plans.	Low; employees choose and manage their own plans.
Cost Predictability	High for employer; fixed monthly premiums.	High for employer; fixed monthly reimbursement.	Low for employer; no direct cost, but employees may need higher wages.
Employee Choice	Limited to the chosen group plan.	High; employees choose from marketplace or off-marketplace plans.	High; employees choose from marketplace or off-marketplace plans.
Administrative Burden	Medium; plan administration, enrollment, renewals.	Medium; setting up ICHRA, verifying employee coverage.	Low; primarily guidance, no direct plan administration.
Tax Benefits	Employer premiums are tax-deductible; employee benefits are tax-free.	Employer contributions are tax-deductible; reimbursements are tax-free.	Indirect; employees may get premium tax credits.

Consider your firm's budget, the number of eligible employees, and their preferences. For example, if your employees value choice and flexibility, an ICHRA might be a strong contender. If your firm prefers a more standardized benefit, a traditional group plan could be ideal. A licensed health insurance producer specializing in small business benefits can help you navigate these options and identify the most cost-effective and beneficial solution for your Kearns firm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary health insurance options for accounting and tax firms in Kearns?

Accounting and tax firms in Kearns, Utah, typically consider traditional group health plans, Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA), and facilitating individual marketplace plans for their employees. The best choice depends on the firm's size, budget, and employee demographics.

Can small accounting firms in Kearns offer PPO plans through HealthCare.gov?

No, PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah through HealthCare.gov. Small businesses in Kearns offering marketplace plans will find options primarily in Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) network structures.

What are the tax advantages of offering health insurance to employees in Utah?

For small businesses, premiums paid for group health plans are generally 100% tax-deductible as a business expense. Contributions to an ICHRA are also tax-deductible for the employer, and reimbursements are tax-free for employees, provided they have qualifying individual health coverage.

How does Utah's expanded Medicaid affect health insurance decisions for small businesses?

Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, meaning adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for comprehensive coverage. This can reduce the number of employees who might otherwise rely on a small business for their sole health coverage, potentially impacting participation rates or the overall cost structure of a group plan.

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

In Utah, a small business typically needs at least two full-time equivalent (FTE) employees to qualify for a traditional group health plan, excluding the owner or spouse. Some carriers may have specific requirements for participation rates among eligible employees.