Small Business Health Insurance for Salons & Barbershops in Clearfield, Utah

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

Small businesses in Clearfield with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, covering up to 50% of employer contributions.
In 2026, 4 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which includes Clearfield, offering Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) options.
For 2026, the average annual wage threshold for the Small Business Tax Credit is $58,000 per employee.
Individual employees in Clearfield earning up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level can qualify for significant premium tax credits on HealthCare.gov.

Navigating health insurance options for your salon or barbershop in Clearfield, Utah, can seem complex, but several pathways exist to provide coverage for yourself and your employees. Whether you're a sole proprietor or manage a growing team, understanding the local marketplace, available subsidies, and carrier options is crucial. Clearfield, located in Davis County, offers specific choices for small businesses looking to offer valuable health benefits, enhancing employee retention and well-being in a competitive industry. This guide details your options, from federal marketplace plans to private coverage, tailored to the Utah market.

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What Are Your Small Business Health Insurance Options in Clearfield?

For salon and barbershop owners in Clearfield, Utah, several avenues for health insurance exist, each with distinct advantages depending on your business size and employee structure:

Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP): This federal marketplace, accessible through HealthCare.gov, is designed for businesses with 1 to 50 employees. SHOP offers a range of plans, and eligible businesses can qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
Individual Marketplace Plans: Many small businesses, particularly those with fewer than 10 employees, opt to direct their employees to individual plans on HealthCare.gov. Employees can then apply for premium tax credits based on their household income, making coverage more affordable.
Private Off-Exchange Plans: You can also purchase small group plans directly from insurance carriers or through a broker outside of HealthCare.gov. These plans do not qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, but they may offer more flexibility in plan design.

Clearfield, with a population of 33,523 and an uninsured rate of 9.6% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is part of Utah Rating Area 3. This rating area also covers Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, and Wasatch counties. Understanding these local specifics is key to making an informed decision.

Understanding the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit can significantly reduce the cost of offering health insurance to your employees. For eligible small businesses, this credit can cover up to 50% of the employer's contribution towards employee premiums (up to 35% for tax-exempt organizations). To qualify for the credit in 2026, your salon or barbershop must meet specific criteria:

You must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Your average employee annual wages must be less than $58,000 for 2026.
You must contribute at least 50% of the premium cost for each employee covered.
You must offer coverage through a SHOP plan.

This credit is particularly beneficial for small businesses looking to provide competitive benefits without overburdening their budget. It's important to note that the credit is only available for a maximum of two consecutive tax years.

Health Insurance Carriers in Clearfield

In 2026, 4 carriers offer marketplace plans in Utah Rating Area 3, which covers Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, and Wasatch counties. For salon and barbershop owners in Clearfield, these carriers provide a range of Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah. The confirmed local carriers for Clearfield and Rating Area 3 are:

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

When evaluating plans, consider the network of providers, especially if your employees have preferred doctors or hospitals. Davis County is served by 4 hospitals, including Holy Cross Hospital-davis in Layton, Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful, Intermountain Health Layton Hospital in Layton, and Western Peaks Specialty Hospital in Bountiful. Ensure that the chosen plan's network includes convenient access to these or other preferred facilities.

Plan Types Available in Clearfield, Utah

For small businesses and individuals in Clearfield, Utah, the marketplace offers Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. It is important to remember that PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah.

Plan Type	Description	Key Features for Clearfield Residents
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)	Typically offers lower premiums but requires you to choose a primary care physician (PCP) within the network. Referrals from your PCP are usually needed to see specialists.	Strong focus on coordinated care; often a good choice for those seeking lower monthly costs and who are comfortable working within a defined network. All 4 confirmed local carriers offer HMO plans.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization)	Provides a network of doctors and hospitals. You do not need a referral to see a specialist, but you must stay within the network for coverage, except in emergencies.	Offers more flexibility than an HMO in seeing specialists without a referral, while still maintaining network-based care. The 4 confirmed local carriers also offer EPO plans.

How to Decide on the Best Health Insurance for Your Salon or Barbershop

Choosing the right health insurance strategy for your Clearfield salon or barbershop depends on your specific circumstances.

If you have 1-24 employees and meet income requirements: Consider offering a SHOP plan through HealthCare.gov to take advantage of the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, which can cover up to 50% of your premium contributions. This can make providing benefits much more affordable.
If you are a sole proprietor or have very few employees: Directing employees to individual plans on HealthCare.gov might be the most cost-effective solution. Employees can qualify for premium tax credits based on their household income, which can significantly reduce their out-of-pocket costs. For example, a single individual in Clearfield earning $40,000 (approximately 160% FPL) could receive substantial subsidies.
If you prioritize flexibility and do not qualify for tax credits: Explore off-exchange private group plans directly from carriers. While these don't offer the tax credit, they might provide a broader range of options or specific network features.

Clearfield, Utah, is part of Davis County, which has a median household income of $110,884, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This higher income level compared to the city's median of $75,495 suggests that many residents may still benefit from premium tax credits on individual plans, even if their employer doesn't offer group coverage. A licensed health insurance producer can help you analyze your business's unique situation and employee needs to determine the most beneficial and affordable path to coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health insurance options for small businesses in Clearfield, Utah?

Small businesses in Clearfield, Utah, including salons and barbershops, can access health coverage through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) on HealthCare.gov, state-specific private plans, or by directing employees to individual marketplace plans, often with tax credits available. The best option depends on the number of employees, budget, and desired level of employer contribution.

Can I get a tax credit for offering health insurance to my salon employees in Clearfield?

Yes, eligible small businesses, including salons and barbershops in Clearfield, Utah, may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. To be eligible, you must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, pay average annual wages less than $58,000 (for 2026), and contribute at least 50% of your employees' premium costs. This credit can cover up to 50% of your contribution for small businesses and up to 35% for tax-exempt organizations.

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

In Clearfield, Utah, small businesses will find Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans available on the HealthCare.gov marketplace. PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah. These plans vary in network restrictions and cost-sharing, with HMOs typically requiring a primary care physician referral and EPOs offering more flexibility within their network without requiring referrals.

Do I have to offer health insurance if I own a small salon or barbershop in Clearfield?

For most small salons and barbershops in Clearfield, Utah, offering health insurance is not legally mandated. The Affordable Care Act's employer mandate generally applies to businesses with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees. However, offering health benefits can be a significant advantage for attracting and retaining skilled employees in the competitive beauty industry.