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

Small Business Health Insurance for Electrical Contractors in Wasatch County, Utah

Small electrical businesses in Wasatch County can access HealthCare.gov for HMO and EPO plans, as PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah.
In 2026, two confirmed carriers, Select Health and University of Utah Health Plans, offer marketplace plans in Utah Rating Area 3, which includes Wasatch County.
Eligible small employers with fewer than 25 employees may qualify for a tax credit covering up to 50% of premium costs.
Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, allowing adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to qualify for coverage, which can impact employee eligibility.

Navigating health insurance options for your electrical contracting business in Wasatch County, Utah, involves understanding specific local market dynamics and state regulations. For small businesses, the primary avenue for obtaining health coverage is through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. In Utah, marketplace plans are primarily structured as Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) networks, as PPO plans are not offered on-exchange. This guide will help electrical contractors in Wasatch County understand their options, including available carriers, potential tax credits, and how to choose the right plan for their team.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available for Electrical Contractors in Wasatch County?

For small electrical contracting businesses in Wasatch County, health insurance options primarily fall into two categories: plans purchased through the HealthCare.gov marketplace or off-marketplace plans. The marketplace is particularly relevant because it's where eligible businesses can access the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) and potentially qualify for federal tax credits.

Utah's health insurance market, including Wasatch County, operates under specific rules. In 2026, marketplace plans in Utah Rating Area 3, which covers Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, and Wasatch counties, are limited to HMO and EPO network types. This means your employees will typically need to choose primary care providers within the plan's network and may require referrals for specialists with an HMO, or stay within a specific network for EPO coverage. Wasatch County's population of 36,642, with a median income of $117,608 and an uninsured rate of 7.5% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, reflects a community where access to affordable health coverage is a significant consideration for local businesses.

Off-marketplace plans are also available directly from insurance carriers or through brokers. While these plans offer more flexibility in terms of network types (including some PPO options), they are not eligible for federal premium tax credits or the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. For most small businesses, the financial advantages of marketplace plans, particularly with tax credit eligibility, make them a more attractive starting point.

Can Your Electrical Business Qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit?

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit is designed to help small employers afford health insurance for their employees. This credit can be a significant financial benefit, potentially covering up to 50% of the premiums paid by the employer. To qualify, your electrical contracting business must meet specific criteria:

You must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Your average employee wage must be less than $58,000 per year (for 2026, adjusted annually).
You must pay at least 50% of your employees' health insurance premium costs.
You must purchase coverage through a SHOP Marketplace plan on HealthCare.gov.

This tax credit is available for two consecutive tax years. It's crucial for small electrical businesses in Wasatch County to evaluate their eligibility, as this credit can substantially reduce the cost of providing health benefits.

Understanding HMO and EPO Plans in Wasatch County

Since PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah, electrical contractors in Wasatch County will primarily choose between HMO and EPO plans for their small business. Understanding the differences is key to selecting the right fit for your employees.

Feature	HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)	EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization)
Network Structure	Requires a Primary Care Physician (PCP) and referrals for specialists.	No PCP required, no referrals needed for specialists within the network.
Out-of-Network Coverage	Generally no coverage for out-of-network care, except for emergencies.	Generally no coverage for out-of-network care, except for emergencies.
Cost	Often has lower monthly premiums.	Premiums can be slightly higher than HMOs, but typically lower than PPOs.
Flexibility	Less flexibility due to PCP and referral requirements.	More flexibility in choosing specialists within the network without referrals.
Best For	Employees who prefer a coordinated care approach and lower premiums.	Employees who want direct access to specialists within the network and value slightly more flexibility.

Both HMO and EPO plans emphasize network utilization, meaning that for most non-emergency care, employees will need to use doctors, hospitals, and other providers that are part of the plan's specific network. For Wasatch County residents, this means considering the network coverage of the available carriers and how they align with local healthcare needs. Wasatch County has no acute care hospitals within its boundaries, so residents travel to a neighboring county for acute care. It's important to ensure that the chosen plan's network includes facilities and providers that are accessible and convenient for your employees.

Health Insurance Carriers in Wasatch County

In 2026, two carriers offer marketplace plans in Utah Rating Area 3, which serves Wasatch County. These carriers provide a range of HMO and EPO options for small businesses. The confirmed carriers for Wasatch County are:

Select Health: A major health plan in Utah, offering various network options and coverage levels.
University of Utah Health Plans: Affiliated with the University of Utah Health system, providing integrated care options.

When reviewing plans, consider the specific networks offered by Select Health and University of Utah Health Plans, particularly regarding access to specialists and hospitals in and around Wasatch County. A licensed health insurance producer can help you compare these options based on your business's budget and your employees' healthcare needs.

How Utah Medicaid Impacts Small Business Health Coverage Decisions

Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, significantly impacting health insurance considerations for small businesses and their employees. Unlike some states, Utah Medicaid covers adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This means that employees of your electrical business who fall within this income bracket may qualify for Utah Medicaid, which offers comprehensive coverage with no premiums. For pregnant women, Utah Medicaid covers incomes up to 144% FPL, and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) covers children in households up to 200% FPL. This expanded eligibility means that some of your employees or their family members might be eligible for state-sponsored programs, potentially reducing the number of employees who need to be covered by a small business health plan or allowing employers to focus their contributions on higher-earning employees. Understanding these thresholds is essential for advising employees on their best coverage options.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Electrical Contracting Business

Selecting the optimal health insurance plan for your electrical business in Wasatch County requires careful consideration of several factors:

Budget: Determine how much your business can realistically contribute to employee premiums, keeping the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit in mind.
Employee Needs: Consider the demographics and health needs of your workforce. Do they prioritize lower premiums, specific doctors, or direct access to specialists?
Network Access: Evaluate the provider networks of Select Health and University of Utah Health Plans. Given that Wasatch County has no acute care hospitals, ensure the network includes convenient access to hospitals and specialists in neighboring counties.
Plan Types: Decide between HMO and EPO based on the desired balance of cost, flexibility, and referral requirements.
Tax Credits: Work with an agent or tax professional to confirm your eligibility for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

A licensed health insurance producer specializing in small business plans can provide personalized guidance, helping you compare options from Select Health and University of Utah Health Plans and navigate the application process through HealthCare.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of health plans are available for small electrical businesses in Wasatch County?

Small electrical businesses in Wasatch County can access health insurance through HealthCare.gov, offering HMO and EPO plans. PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah. Off-marketplace options may include PPOs without subsidy eligibility.

Do small electrical businesses in Wasatch County qualify for tax credits?

Yes, small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, which can cover up to 50% of premium costs. Eligibility depends on average employee wages and the percentage of premiums paid by the employer.

What are the key differences between HMO and EPO plans for my electrical business?

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans typically require you to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and get referrals for specialists. EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plans offer more flexibility to see specialists without a referral, but generally limit coverage to a specific network of providers, similar to an HMO for out-of-network care.

Which carriers offer small business health plans in Wasatch County?

In Wasatch County, which is part of Utah Rating Area 3, small businesses can find marketplace plans from Select Health and University of Utah Health Plans for the 2026 plan year.