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

Small Business Health Insurance for Landscaping Companies in Kearns, Utah

Landscaping businesses in Kearns with 2+ full-time employees can qualify for Small Group Health Plans.
Individual ACA marketplace plans in Kearns are HMO and EPO only; PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah.
Employees with household incomes between 100% and 400% FPL may qualify for ACA subsidies on HealthCare.gov.
Salt Lake County, which includes Kearns, has a population of 1,196,523 and an uninsured rate of 9.2% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

For landscaping business owners in Kearns, Utah, securing reliable and affordable health insurance for your team is a key decision. Whether you're a solo proprietor, have a few seasonal workers, or manage a larger crew, understanding your options is crucial. In Kearns and across Salt Lake County, you can explore traditional Small Group Health Plans, individual plans through HealthCare.gov, or Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) to provide benefits. The best approach will depend on your company size, budget, and the level of contribution you wish to make towards your employees' coverage.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available for Landscaping Businesses in Kearns?

Landscaping companies in Kearns have several pathways to provide health insurance, each with distinct advantages and requirements. The primary options include Small Group Health Plans, individual coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).

For businesses with two or more full-time equivalent employees (excluding the owner), a Small Group Health Plan is often the most straightforward way to offer comprehensive benefits. These plans are purchased directly from carriers or through brokers and typically require a minimum employer contribution (often 50% of the employee's premium) and a participation rate (e.g., 70% of eligible employees enrolling).

Alternatively, if you're a sole proprietor or have a very small team, individual ACA marketplace plans via HealthCare.gov can be a flexible option. Employees can enroll in these plans and potentially receive premium tax credits based on their household income. As an employer, you could then offer a qualified HRA to reimburse employees for their individual plan premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses, providing a tax-efficient way to contribute to their healthcare costs.

Understanding Small Group Health Plans in Salt Lake County

Small Group Health Plans are designed specifically for businesses with 2 to 50 full-time equivalent employees. In Kearns and the wider Salt Lake County area, these plans offer a structured way to provide benefits, fostering employee loyalty and attracting talent.

Key features of Small Group Health Plans:

Guaranteed Issue: Regardless of the health status of your employees, carriers must offer coverage.
Tax Advantages: Employer contributions to premiums are generally tax-deductible for the business, and employee premiums paid pre-tax reduce their taxable income.
Plan Choice: While individual marketplace plans in Utah's Rating Area 3 (which covers Salt Lake, Davis, Summit, Tooele, and Wasatch counties) are limited to HMO and EPO networks, small group plans often offer a wider variety of network types, including PPOs, depending on the carrier and specific plan.
Administrative Simplicity: Once set up, premium collection and enrollment are often handled directly through payroll deductions, simplifying the process for both employer and employee.

When considering a small group plan, it's essential to evaluate factors like network size, deductible levels, and the overall cost-sharing structure to ensure it meets the needs of your landscaping team in Kearns.

Individual ACA Marketplace Plans for Kearns Landscaping Professionals

For many small landscaping businesses, especially those with fewer than two employees or those seeking maximum flexibility, individual plans purchased through HealthCare.gov are a viable solution. This approach allows each employee to choose a plan that best fits their personal health needs and budget, with potential financial assistance.

Key considerations for individual plans in Kearns:

Subsidies: Individuals and families with household incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for significant premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, making coverage more affordable. Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, so adults with incomes up to 138% FPL qualify for Utah Medicaid, avoiding the coverage gap seen in some other states.
Plan Types: In Rating Area 3, which includes Kearns, marketplace plans are offered as Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) networks. It is important to note that PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah.
Enrollment Periods: Enrollment is typically limited to the annual Open Enrollment Period (November 1 to January 15 in most years) or a Special Enrollment Period triggered by a qualifying life event (e.g., marriage, birth of a child, loss of other coverage).

If you opt for this route, you can still support your employees by offering a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) or an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) to help them pay for their individual plan premiums and out-of-pocket costs on a tax-free basis.

Health Insurance Carriers in Kearns

For the 2026 plan year, landscaping business owners and their employees in Kearns, Utah, have access to a confirmed set of carriers offering marketplace plans. In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which covers Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, and Wasatch counties.

These carriers include:

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

Each of these carriers offers a range of HMO and EPO plans at different metal levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold), allowing individuals and small groups to find coverage that aligns with their budget and healthcare needs. When choosing a plan, consider the specific network of doctors and hospitals, such as those within the Intermountain Health system or Holy Cross Hospital - Salt Lake, which serve the Salt Lake County area.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Kearns Landscaping Business

Deciding on the best health insurance strategy for your landscaping business in Kearns involves weighing several factors, including your budget, the number of employees, and the administrative burden you're willing to take on.

Consider the following:

For Solo Owners or Very Small Teams (1-2 employees): Individual ACA plans with potential subsidies are often the most cost-effective. You can consider a QSEHRA to reimburse premiums.
For Small Teams (2-10 employees): Small Group Health Plans offer robust benefits and tax advantages, simplifying coverage for your team. Alternatively, an ICHRA could provide more flexibility for employees to choose their own individual plans while still receiving employer contributions.
For Growing Businesses (10+ employees): Small Group Health Plans become increasingly attractive, offering competitive benefits packages that can help attract and retain skilled workers in the Kearns area's competitive market.

The Kearns area, part of Salt Lake County, has a population of 1,196,523 with a median income of $97,494 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Access to quality healthcare is supported by numerous facilities, including University of Utah Hospital and Clinics and Intermountain Medical Center, making network considerations vital when selecting a plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main health insurance options for a landscaping business in Kearns?

Landscaping businesses in Kearns can explore individual ACA marketplace plans (for owners and employees), Small Group Health Plans, or Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) like ICHRA. The best option depends on the number of employees, budget, and desired level of employer contribution.

How many employees do I need for a small group health plan in Utah?

In Utah, a small group health plan typically requires at least two full-time equivalent employees, excluding the owner or spouse. Some carriers may offer plans for groups of one if the owner is the only employee and meets specific criteria, but generally, two or more employees are needed.

Can my landscaping employees get subsidies for individual plans in Kearns?

Yes, employees of landscaping businesses in Kearns may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions on HealthCare.gov if their household income is between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Eligibility also depends on whether affordable, minimum value coverage is offered by their employer.

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

No, PPO plans are not available on the individual ACA marketplace in Utah. For small businesses, marketplace options in Rating Area 3, which includes Kearns, are limited to HMO and EPO network structures. PPOs may be available through off-marketplace small group plans or private insurance, but these typically do not qualify for ACA subsidies.