Small Business Health Insurance for Landscaping Companies in Lehi, Utah

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

Lehi landscaping businesses can access HealthCare.gov for small group plans, with 5 confirmed carriers in Rating Area 4 for 2026.
Small employers may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, covering up to 50% of premium contributions.
Marketplace plans in Utah offer Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) networks; PPO plans are not available on-exchange.
The average median income in Lehi is $131,299 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, indicating a strong market for competitive benefits.

For landscaping business owners in Lehi, Utah, providing health insurance is a key factor in attracting and retaining skilled employees. In 2026, small businesses have several options for securing coverage, primarily through Utah's HealthCare.gov marketplace. This platform allows companies with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees to offer plans, often with access to tax credits that can significantly reduce costs. Understanding the available plan types, local carriers, and eligibility requirements is crucial for making an informed decision that benefits both your business and your team.

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Understanding Health Insurance Options for Your Lehi Landscaping Business

Small businesses in Lehi, including those in the landscaping industry, typically explore two main avenues for health insurance: the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) marketplace and off-exchange group plans. The SHOP marketplace, part of HealthCare.gov in Utah, is designed to simplify offering health and dental coverage to employees. It allows businesses to choose from various plans and contribute to employee premiums, often qualifying for tax credits. Off-exchange plans are purchased directly from an insurer or through a broker, outside the marketplace. While these plans do not qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, they can offer more flexibility in plan design or network options, depending on the carrier.

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Eligibility

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit can significantly offset the cost of providing health insurance. To qualify, a landscaping business must:

Have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Pay average annual wages of less than $60,000 per FTE.
Contribute at least 50% of the premium cost for each employee.
Offer coverage through the SHOP Marketplace.

This credit can be worth up to 50% of the employer's premium contributions, making it a powerful incentive for small businesses in Lehi to offer employee benefits.

Navigating Utah's Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov)

Utah utilizes the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace, which includes the SHOP program for small businesses. For landscaping companies in Lehi, accessing this platform provides a structured way to compare plans and enroll employees. The marketplace ensures that all plans meet certain essential health benefits and offers transparency in pricing. Since Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify for Utah Medicaid, which can also be a consideration for employees who might not opt into a group plan or for businesses with very limited budgets.

Plan Types Available in Lehi

In 2026, the marketplace choice for Utah shoppers, including small businesses in Lehi, is between Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) network structures. PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): These plans typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network who then refers you to specialists. They usually have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, but offer less flexibility in choosing providers outside the network.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): EPO plans offer a network of doctors and hospitals you must use, similar to an HMO. However, you generally do not need a referral from a PCP to see a specialist. They typically do not cover out-of-network care, except in emergencies.

Understanding these differences is key to selecting a plan that aligns with your employees' preferences and your budget.

Employer Contributions and Tax Benefits for Small Businesses

As a landscaping business owner in Lehi, your contribution strategy to employee health insurance premiums has tax implications. Employer contributions to group health insurance premiums are generally tax-deductible as a business expense. This deduction, combined with the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit (if eligible), can significantly reduce the net cost of providing benefits. Consider how much your business can realistically contribute. A higher employer contribution can attract better talent and improve employee satisfaction. For example, contributing 70-80% of the premium for a Bronze or Silver plan can make coverage much more affordable for your employees, especially given that the median income in Lehi is $131,299 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, and employees are likely seeking robust benefits.

Typical Employer Contribution Scenarios for Small Group Plans
Employer Contribution Level	Employee Out-of-Pocket Premium	Potential Tax Benefit	Impact on Employee Retention
50% (Minimum for Tax Credit)	50% of premium	Tax deductible + potential 50% credit	Basic offering, meets eligibility
70%	30% of premium	Tax deductible	Competitive, good for attracting talent
100% (for employee-only)	0% for employee, pays for dependents	Tax deductible	Highly attractive, strong retention

Health Insurance Carriers in Lehi

For 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 4, which includes Lehi and the rest of Utah County. These carriers provide various Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans to small businesses and individuals. The confirmed local carriers for Lehi are:

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

When evaluating options, consider the specific networks, deductibles, copayments, and overall coverage details offered by each of these providers. Many of these plans will include access to major facilities in Utah County, such as Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, which serves the broader region. Lehi, Utah County, with a population of 85,173 and a relatively low uninsured rate of 5.1% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, benefits from a competitive and established health insurance market.

Decision Guide: Next Steps for Lehi Landscaping Business Owners

Choosing the right health insurance plan for your landscaping business requires careful consideration of your budget, employee needs, and the specific plan offerings in Lehi. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Assess Your Budget: Determine how much your business can comfortably contribute to employee premiums. Remember the tax benefits and potential Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
Understand Employee Needs: Consider the demographics of your workforce. Do they prefer lower premiums with higher deductibles (Bronze/Silver plans) or more comprehensive coverage with lower out-of-pocket costs (Gold/Platinum plans)?
Explore Marketplace Options: Visit HealthCare.gov to compare SHOP plans from the 5 confirmed carriers in Rating Area 4. Pay attention to whether HMO or EPO networks best suit your employees' access to local providers, including prominent systems like Intermountain Health.
Review Network and Coverage: Ensure the chosen plan's network includes preferred doctors and hospitals in Utah County. Confirm that essential health benefits are covered.
Seek Professional Guidance: A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized advice, help you navigate the marketplace, and ensure you maximize any eligible tax credits. This service is typically free to you as the business owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a small landscaping business in Lehi get tax credits for health insurance?

Yes, small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) that pay at least 50% of employee premiums may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, provided they purchase coverage through the SHOP Marketplace or a qualifying off-exchange plan.

What types of health plans are available for small businesses in Lehi?

Small businesses in Lehi, Utah County, can access Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. PPO plans are not available on the Utah marketplace. These plans are offered by carriers like Select Health and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah.

What is the minimum number of employees needed to offer group health insurance in Utah?

Generally, to offer a traditional group health plan in Utah, a business needs at least two eligible employees. If you are a solo owner without other employees, you would typically explore individual marketplace plans or health sharing programs.

How does Utah Medicaid affect small business health insurance decisions?

Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, meaning adults up to 138% FPL qualify. This can be relevant for employees who may not enroll in your small group plan, or for businesses with very tight budgets where some employees might still find coverage through the state program if their income is low enough.