Small Business Health Insurance for Construction Companies in Highland, Utah

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

Small construction businesses in Highland, UT have 3 main options: traditional group plans, ICHRA, or individual marketplace plans.
In 2026, 5 carriers offer HealthCare.gov plans in Utah County (Rating Area 4), including Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Select Health.
Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020; adults up to 138% FPL qualify, providing a safety net for lower-income employees.
PPO plans are NOT available on-exchange in Utah; marketplace choices are limited to HMO and EPO network types.

For small construction companies in Highland, Utah, securing reliable and affordable health insurance for your team is crucial for attracting and retaining skilled labor. The specific needs of your business, from employee count to budget, will dictate the best approach. Whether you're considering a traditional group health plan, an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA), or guiding employees to the HealthCare.gov marketplace, understanding your options in Highland and Utah County is the first step. UtahPlanFinder.com helps Highland construction business owners navigate these choices and find suitable coverage for their employees.

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

Small construction businesses in Highland have several pathways to provide health benefits, each with distinct advantages and considerations:

Option	Description	Key Benefits for Construction Businesses
Traditional Group Health Plans	Employer-sponsored plans where the business selects a plan (HMO or EPO in Utah) and contributes a percentage of the premium for employees and often dependents.	Offers strong recruitment and retention; simplifies coverage for employees; often includes a wider range of benefits.
Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA)	The business offers tax-free money to employees, who then purchase their own individual health insurance plans on HealthCare.gov.	Cost-controlled for the employer; highly flexible for employees to choose plans that fit their needs; employees can use premium tax credits if eligible.
Facilitated Individual Marketplace Enrollment	The business does not directly contribute to premiums but helps employees understand and enroll in individual plans on HealthCare.gov, where subsidies may be available.	Minimal administrative burden for the employer; ideal for very small businesses or those with employees who qualify for significant subsidies.

Utah County, home to Highland, has a population of 705,400 with a median age of 25.8 years, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. The relatively young workforce and higher median income of $100,671 in the county suggest a diverse range of health insurance needs among employees. Highland itself boasts a median income of $186,075 and a low uninsured rate of 4.4%, indicating a strong preference for health coverage.

Understanding Traditional Group Health Plans for Highland Construction Firms

Traditional group health insurance plans remain a popular choice for many small businesses. In Utah, these plans primarily come in Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) formats. Unlike some other states, PPO plans are generally not available on the HealthCare.gov marketplace in Utah. When selecting a group plan, Highland construction businesses should consider:

Employee Participation: Most carriers require a minimum percentage of eligible employees to enroll (e.g., 70%). This can be a challenge in industries with high turnover or many part-time workers.
Employer Contribution: Businesses typically pay a significant portion (e.g., 50% or more) of the employee's premium, and sometimes a portion for dependents.
Network Access: Evaluate the network of doctors and hospitals. In Utah County, major systems like Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital in Provo and American Fork Hospital are key considerations for employee access.
Cost Structure: Premiums are based on the age and ZIP code of employees, as well as the chosen plan's metal tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold).

For construction companies, choosing a plan with robust benefits that can withstand the physical demands of the industry, including access to specialists and emergency care, is particularly important.

Exploring Individual Coverage HRAs (ICHRA) in Utah County

An ICHRA allows construction businesses to define a tax-free allowance that employees can use to pay for individual health insurance premiums and qualified medical expenses. This model offers several benefits:

Budget Control: Employers set the contribution amount, providing predictable costs.
Employee Choice: Employees select their own plans from HealthCare.gov or off-marketplace, tailoring coverage to their specific health needs and preferred doctors.
Tax Advantages: Employer contributions are tax-deductible, and employee reimbursements are tax-free.
Flexibility with Subsidies: Employees eligible for premium tax credits on HealthCare.gov can use their ICHRA funds alongside these subsidies, potentially making coverage very affordable.

This option can be particularly appealing to small construction businesses in Highland, allowing them to offer a competitive benefit without the administrative complexities of managing a traditional group plan. Employees in Utah County can access plans from a variety of carriers through HealthCare.gov.

How Employees Access Individual Marketplace Plans on HealthCare.gov

Even without a direct employer contribution, small construction businesses can support their employees in finding coverage through HealthCare.gov. Utah utilizes the federal marketplace, where individuals and families can compare plans and apply for financial assistance.

Premium Tax Credits: Many individuals with incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify for premium tax credits, which significantly reduce monthly premiums.
Cost-Sharing Reductions: Individuals with incomes up to 250% FPL may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions, lowering deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums, especially on Silver-tier plans.
Medicaid Eligibility: Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020. Adults with incomes up to 138% FPL qualify for Utah Medicaid, providing comprehensive coverage with no premiums. This is a critical safety net for many lower-wage construction workers. Pregnant women qualify up to 144% FPL, and children up to 200% FPL for CHIP.
Plan Types: On HealthCare.gov in Utah, the primary plan types available are HMO and EPO. PPO plans are not offered on-exchange.

Guidance on navigating HealthCare.gov and understanding eligibility for subsidies can be a valuable, no-cost benefit for your Highland construction team.

Health Insurance Carriers in Highland

For 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 4, which encompasses Highland and the entirety of Utah County. These carriers provide a range of HMO and EPO plans for small businesses and individuals:

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

When evaluating plans, consider the specific networks. Utah County's 6 acute care hospitals, including Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Mountain View Hospital in Payson, and American Fork Hospital, are key facilities. Ensuring your chosen plan provides in-network access to preferred providers and specialists is vital for your employees. Highland, with a population of 20,119 and a median age of 28.0 years, is a growing community within Utah County, making local network access a high priority for residents.

Making the Right Health Insurance Decision for Your Construction Business

Choosing the best health insurance strategy for your Highland construction company depends on several factors:

Budget: How much can your business realistically contribute to employee health benefits? ICHRA and individual marketplace options offer more cost control for employers.
Employee Needs: Do your employees prioritize a specific doctor or hospital? Are many eligible for subsidies?
Administrative Capacity: Do you have the resources to manage a traditional group plan, or would a simpler approach like ICHRA be preferable?
Recruitment Goals: What level of benefits is competitive in the Highland construction market?

A licensed health insurance producer can help you analyze these factors, compare quotes from carriers like Select Health and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, and determine the most cost-effective and beneficial solution for your team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary health insurance options for a small construction business in Highland, Utah?

Small construction businesses in Highland have several options, including traditional group health plans, Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA), and helping employees access individual marketplace plans on HealthCare.gov. The best choice depends on your budget, employee count, and desired level of employer contribution.

Do PPO plans offer subsidies on the Utah marketplace?

No, PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah. Marketplace shoppers in Highland and throughout Utah County choose between HMO and EPO network structures for subsidy-eligible plans through HealthCare.gov. PPOs may be available off-marketplace, but without federal premium tax credits.

Can my construction employees get Medicaid in Utah?

Yes, Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020. Adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Utah Medicaid, providing comprehensive, low-cost health coverage. This is a vital option for employees who might not qualify for employer-sponsored plans or substantial marketplace subsidies.

How many health insurance carriers offer marketplace plans in Highland, Utah?

In 2026, five carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 4, which includes Highland and the rest of Utah County. These carriers are BridgeSpan Health Company, Imperial Health Plan of Utah, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, Select Health, and University of Utah Health Plans.

What is an ICHRA and how does it benefit a small construction business?

An ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) allows your business to offer tax-free money to employees, who then use these funds to purchase their own individual health insurance plans. It benefits your construction business by providing budget control, offering employees greater choice in plans, and leveraging tax advantages.

Get Your Free Quote

Ready to explore specific health insurance plans for your construction business in Highland, Utah? Connecting with a licensed health insurance producer is the most efficient way to compare options tailored to your company's size, budget, and employee needs. Get a free, no-obligation quote and expert guidance on group plans, ICHRA, or other benefit strategies today.