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

Small Business Health Insurance for Landscaping Companies in Farmington, Utah

Farmington landscaping businesses can access small group plans on HealthCare.gov, with 4 carriers offering options in Rating Area 3.
Utah's marketplace offers HMO and EPO plans; PPO plans are not available for subsidized coverage.
Small Business Health Care Tax Credits can cover up to 50% of premium costs for eligible businesses.
Businesses need at least one common-law employee to qualify for a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) plan.

For landscaping business owners in Farmington, Utah, providing health insurance to your team is a critical decision, balancing employee well-being with financial sustainability. In Davis County, home to major medical facilities like Holy Cross Hospital-davis in Layton and Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful, ensuring access to quality care is a priority. Small businesses in the landscaping sector can explore various options, including Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) plans through HealthCare.gov, private group plans, or alternative solutions. Understanding the specific requirements for small group coverage in Utah, including employee eligibility and plan types, is the first step toward securing suitable benefits for your workforce.

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 Small Business Health Insurance Options Are Available in Farmington?

Small business health insurance in Farmington, Utah, primarily falls into a few categories, each with distinct advantages and requirements for landscaping companies:

Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Plans: These are plans offered through HealthCare.gov, specifically designed for small employers (typically those with 1-50 employees). SHOP plans allow you to offer a range of coverage options to your employees, and eligible businesses may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. In Utah, these plans are available as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs).
Private Group Plans: Many insurance carriers offer group health plans directly to small businesses outside of the SHOP marketplace. These plans provide similar benefits but may have different eligibility rules or plan designs. They generally follow state regulations for small group markets.
Group Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs): Options like an ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) allow employers to reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and other medical expenses on a tax-free basis. This offers flexibility for employees to choose their own plans while the employer controls costs.

As a landscaping business, your specific needs will depend on the size of your team, budget, and desired level of flexibility. Many plans require at least one common-law employee (not including owners, spouses, or partners) to establish a small group.

Understanding Utah's Small Group Plan Types and Eligibility

When considering small business health insurance for your Farmington-based landscaping company, it is important to understand the plan types available in Utah's market and the general eligibility criteria. Utah's marketplace, HealthCare.gov, primarily offers HMO and EPO plans for small businesses. PPO plans are not available for subsidized coverage on-exchange in Utah.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans: These plans typically have lower premiums but require members to select a primary care provider (PCP) within the network. Referrals from the PCP are usually needed to see specialists. Coverage is generally limited to services received from in-network doctors and hospitals, except in emergencies.

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plans: EPOs offer more flexibility than HMOs by not requiring a PCP or specialist referrals. However, like HMOs, they generally only cover services from providers within their network, except for emergencies. Out-of-network care is typically not covered.

Eligibility for Small Group Plans: To qualify for small group health insurance, including SHOP plans, in Utah:

You must have at least one common-law employee (not a spouse, partner, or owner).
You must have 50 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Most carriers require a minimum participation rate, often 70% of eligible employees, to enroll in the plan.
The business must have a physical location in Utah and operate legally.

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, which has an uninsured rate of 5.7%. These local economic factors underscore the importance of competitive and accessible health insurance options for small businesses in the area.

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for Landscaping Companies

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit can significantly reduce the cost of offering health insurance to your employees. This credit is designed to help small employers afford coverage. For eligible businesses, the credit can cover up to 50% of the employer's contribution to employee premium costs.

Eligibility Requirements: To qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, your landscaping business must meet specific criteria:

You must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Your average employee wages must be less than approximately $60,000 per year (this amount is adjusted annually).
You must pay at least 50% of your employees' health insurance premium costs.
You must purchase coverage through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace on HealthCare.gov.

This tax credit can make a substantial difference in the affordability of providing benefits, allowing Farmington landscaping businesses to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.

Health Insurance Carriers in Farmington

For small businesses in Farmington, Utah, exploring health insurance options, it is important to know which carriers offer plans in your specific rating area. Farmington is located in Rating Area 3, which covers Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, and Wasatch counties. In 2026, 4 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3:

BridgeSpan Health Company: Offers various small group health plans designed to meet the needs of diverse workforces.
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah: A well-established carrier providing a range of health benefit solutions for small businesses across Utah.
Select Health: A local Utah-based health plan offering a variety of HMO and EPO options tailored for small employers.
University of Utah Health Plans: Provides comprehensive coverage with access to the University of Utah Health system and affiliated providers.

These carriers offer a variety of plans with different network sizes, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. Comparing these options is crucial to finding a plan that fits both your company's budget and your employees' healthcare needs.

Making the Right Health Insurance Decision for Your Business

Choosing the right health insurance plan for your landscaping business in Farmington involves weighing several factors, from cost to network access. Here is a guide to help you make an informed decision:

Factor	Consideration for Your Business
Budget & Premiums	Determine how much your business can realistically contribute to employee premiums. Consider the potential for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
Employee Needs	Assess your employees' healthcare priorities. Do they prefer lower premiums with higher deductibles, or more comprehensive coverage with higher monthly costs?
Network Access	Given the PPO limitations on Utah's marketplace, evaluate the HMO and EPO networks offered by carriers. Ensure key local facilities like Holy Cross Hospital-davis and Lakeview Hospital are included.
Administrative Burden	Consider the administrative effort involved. SHOP plans often streamline enrollment, while HRAs offer flexibility but require careful management of reimbursements.
Tax Implications	Understand the tax benefits of different options, including the tax credit for SHOP plans and the tax-free nature of HRA reimbursements for employees.

For businesses with employees whose income is below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), Utah's expanded Medicaid program may offer coverage. For pregnant women, Medicaid covers up to 144% FPL, and CHIP covers children up to 200% FPL. These programs can provide a safety net for employees and their families who may not be able to afford employer-sponsored coverage. A licensed health insurance producer can help you navigate these complex options and determine the best fit for your Farmington landscaping company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum employee requirements for small business health insurance in Utah?

To qualify for a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) plan in Utah, you typically need at least one common-law employee besides yourself, a spouse, or a partner. Most carriers require at least 70% of eligible employees to enroll in the plan.

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 in Farmington will choose between HMO and EPO network structures for their marketplace coverage. PPO options may exist off-marketplace without subsidy eligibility.

Can I get a tax credit for offering health insurance to my landscaping employees?

Small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) and average wages under approximately $60,000 may be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. You must pay at least 50% of your employees' premium costs to qualify.

What is the primary difference between HMO and EPO plans for my business?

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans require members to choose a primary care provider (PCP) and get referrals for specialists, often limiting coverage to in-network providers. EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plans do not require a PCP or referrals but also typically limit coverage to an exclusive network of providers, with no out-of-network coverage except in emergencies.