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

Small Business Health Insurance for Salons & Barbershops in Davis County, Utah (2026)

In 2026, four confirmed carriers offer marketplace plans in Davis County, part of Utah Rating Area 3.
Small businesses in Davis County can find HMO and EPO plans via HealthCare.gov; PPO plans are not available on-exchange.
Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, covering adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit can cover up to 50% of employer-paid premiums for eligible salons and barbershops.
Davis County has a population of 370,924 with a median household income of $110,884, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Navigating health insurance options for your salon or barbershop in Davis County, Utah, involves understanding both federal marketplace rules and specific local availability. As a small business owner, providing health benefits can be a key factor in attracting and retaining talented stylists and barbers. In 2026, businesses in Davis County, which is part of Utah Rating Area 3, have access to a range of plans through HealthCare.gov, primarily focusing on Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) network structures. Understanding these options, along with potential tax credits and state-specific regulations, is crucial for making informed decisions about your team's coverage.

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What Health Plan Options Are Available for Salons and Barbershops in Davis County?

For small businesses like salons and barbershops in Davis County, the primary avenue for securing health insurance is through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. Utah's marketplace offers a selection of plans categorized by their network structure and metal tiers.

HMO and EPO Plans

In Utah, including Davis County, the marketplace choice for individuals and small groups is between HMO and EPO network structures.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans: These plans typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the plan's network, who then refers you to specialists. They often have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs but offer less flexibility in choosing providers outside the network.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plans: EPOs offer more flexibility than HMOs, allowing you to see specialists without a referral, as long as they are within the plan's network. However, like HMOs, they generally do not cover out-of-network care except in emergencies.

It is important to note that PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans are generally not available on-exchange in Utah. If a PPO plan is desired, it would typically need to be purchased directly from a carrier outside of HealthCare.gov, meaning any eligibility for premium tax credits would not apply.

Metal Tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum

Plans on HealthCare.gov are also categorized into metal tiers based on how costs are shared between the plan and the enrollee:

Bronze Plans: Cover approximately 60% of healthcare costs, with you paying about 40%. They have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles.
Silver Plans: Cover approximately 70% of healthcare costs, with you paying about 30%. They have moderate premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Crucially, Silver plans are the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) for those who qualify based on income.
Gold Plans: Cover approximately 80% of healthcare costs, with you paying about 20%. They have higher monthly premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs when you receive care.
Platinum Plans: Cover approximately 90% of healthcare costs, with you paying about 10%. They have the highest monthly premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs. These are rare and may not be available in all areas.

For many small business owners and their employees, especially those with lower or moderate incomes, Silver plans can be particularly advantageous due to the potential for Cost-Sharing Reductions, which lower deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.

Understanding the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for Utah Salons

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit is a significant benefit designed to help small employers, including salons and barbershops, afford the cost of providing health insurance to their employees. This credit can reduce your premium expenses, making it more feasible to offer coverage.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, your salon or barbershop must meet specific criteria:

Fewer than 25 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Employees: This calculation considers both full-time and part-time employees.
Average Employee Wages of Less Than Approximately $58,000 per year (for 2026, this figure adjusts annually): The exact threshold is updated each year by the IRS.
Contribute at Least 50% of the Cost of Employee Health Insurance Premiums: You must pay at least half of the premium for each enrolled employee.
Purchase Plans Through the SHOP Marketplace: While Utah uses HealthCare.gov for individual plans, the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) marketplace is the mechanism for small businesses to access this credit.

The maximum credit is 50% of the employer-paid premiums for small business employers (35% for tax-exempt organizations). The credit is available for two consecutive tax years, which can provide substantial savings as you establish or expand your employee benefits program.

Health Insurance Carriers in Davis County

Davis County, as part of Utah Rating Area 3, is served by a competitive marketplace for health insurance plans. In 2026, four carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which covers Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, and Wasatch counties. These carriers provide a range of HMO and EPO options across various metal tiers. The confirmed carriers for Davis County in 2026 are:

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

When selecting a plan, consider not only the premium but also the specific network of doctors, hospitals, and specialists offered by each carrier. For example, Davis County is home to facilities like Holy Cross Hospital-Davis in Layton, Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful, Intermountain Health Layton Hospital in Layton, and Western Peaks Specialty Hospital in Bountiful. Verifying that your preferred providers are in-network with a chosen plan is a critical step.

Medicaid and CHIP Options for Salon Employees in Utah

Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, providing an essential safety net for many residents, including salon and barbershop employees, who may have lower incomes. This expansion means that adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Utah Medicaid. Unlike states without expansion, Utah does not have a "coverage gap" for this income bracket.

Utah Medicaid Eligibility

For a single adult in 2026, 138% FPL corresponds to an income of approximately $20,780. For a family of three, the threshold is around $35,390. Utah Medicaid offers comprehensive benefits, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health services, and more, typically with no or very low out-of-pocket costs. Applications can be submitted through Utah's Medicaid portal (medicaid.utah.gov).

Medicaid for Pregnant Women and CHIP for Children

Utah also offers specific programs for pregnant women and children:

Pregnant Women: Medicaid covers pregnant women with incomes up to 144% FPL, providing comprehensive prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum care. This threshold is an extension above the standard adult Medicaid line.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Uninsured children in households with incomes up to 200% FPL may qualify for Utah CHIP, ensuring they have access to necessary medical care.

These programs are vital resources for ensuring that employees and their families have access to affordable healthcare, complementing any employer-sponsored plans or serving as primary coverage for those who qualify.

Making the Right Health Insurance Decision for Your Davis County Salon

Choosing the right health insurance for your salon or barbershop involves balancing employee needs, business budget, and compliance with regulations. Here are key steps to guide your decision:

Consideration	Small Business (Group Plan)	Individual Plans (via HealthCare.gov)
Eligibility	Typically 2+ eligible employees (not owner/spouse).	Available to individuals and families, regardless of employer status.
Cost Control	Employer contributes to premiums; potential for Small Business Tax Credit.	Employees may qualify for Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions based on household income.
Network Type	Generally broader networks (depending on plan type).	HMO & EPO networks primarily available on-exchange in Utah.
Administrative Burden	More paperwork for employer (enrollment, payroll deductions).	Individual employees manage their own enrollment and payments.
Tax Implications	Employer contributions are tax-deductible; Small Business Tax Credit.	Premium Tax Credits reduce individual out-of-pocket costs.

Steps to Consider:

Assess Your Budget: Determine how much your business can realistically contribute to employee premiums, keeping in mind the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
Gauge Employee Needs: Understand whether your employees prioritize lower monthly premiums, specific doctors or hospitals, or lower out-of-pocket costs when they use care.
Explore Group vs. Individual Options: For small businesses with 1-2 employees, sometimes directing employees to individual plans on HealthCare.gov with a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) can be more flexible than a traditional group plan. A QSEHRA allows you to reimburse employees tax-free for health expenses, including individual plan premiums.
Work with a Licensed Agent: A local licensed health insurance producer understands Utah-specific regulations and Davis County's carrier landscape. They can help you compare plans, verify network coverage with hospitals like Holy Cross Hospital-Davis or Lakeview Hospital, and ensure you're maximizing any available tax credits.

Davis County has a population of 370,924 with a median household income of $110,884 and an uninsured rate of 5.7%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This area, which includes communities like Layton and Bountiful, is part of a dynamic market where access to quality healthcare is a priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In Davis County, small businesses can primarily access HMO and EPO plans through HealthCare.gov. PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah for subsidy-eligible coverage. These plans provide comprehensive benefits, but network structures differ.

Can salon and barbershop owners get tax credits for employee health insurance in Utah?

Yes, eligible small businesses, including salons and barbershops, may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit if they cover at least 50% of employee premium costs and have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees with average wages below a specific threshold. This credit can cover up to 50% of employer-paid premiums.

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

Generally, to qualify for a traditional group health plan in Utah, a small business needs at least two eligible employees, not including the owner or their spouse. However, alternatives like Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSEHRAs) can allow businesses with fewer employees to help with health costs.

Does Utah Medicaid help salon workers with low income?

Yes, Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020. Adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Utah Medicaid, providing comprehensive, low-cost health coverage. This is a crucial option for lower-income salon and barbershop employees in Davis County.

Are PPO plans available on HealthCare.gov in Davis County?

No, PPO plans are not available on the HealthCare.gov marketplace in Davis County, Utah. The marketplace options are limited to HMO and EPO plans. If you are seeking a PPO plan, you would need to explore options directly through carriers outside the federal exchange, which means you would not be eligible for premium tax credits.