Most because they compared fewer than 0 plans. Shield pulls every ACA-compliant carrier in your county and hands you one clear recommendation — in writing, with the math shown.
What will health insurance cost your business?
Adjust the sliders. Get a real range in 8 seconds — no email required yet.
Estimates based on 2025 Texas ACA carrier filings. Actual premiums vary by age band, county, and carrier. Shield is a licensed Texas insurance broker — TDI License #2345678.
Bronze, Silver, and Gold —
with the actual numbers shown.
Every carrier uses the same ACA tier structure. What changes is your deductible, your monthly cost, and how much your employees pay when they see a doctor.
| Plan Feature | Bronze | Silver ★ Most Chosen by Businesses Like Yours | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
Avg. monthly premium / employee (TX, age 40) | $300–$400 | $400–$500 | $500–$600 |
Employer monthly cost (12 employees, 70% contrib.) | $2,520–$3,360 | $3,360–$4,200 | $4,200–$5,040 |
Annual deductible (individual) | ~$5,000 | ~$3,000 | ~$1,500 |
Out-of-pocket maximum | $9,450 | $7,500 | $4,500 |
Insurer pays (actuarial value) | 60% | 70% | 80% |
BCBSTX Blue Choice PPO available | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
UnitedHealthcare network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
TX hospital network coverage | ~70% | ~80% | ~90% |
Best fit for | Young, healthy workforce | Mixed-age teams | High healthcare utilizers |
Premium vs. Bronze Source: KFF 2025 | Baseline | +38% higher | +23% higher than Silver |
Rates: 2025 Texas ACA filings · 40-year-old benchmark · 12-employee group
Largest TX insurer. Blue Choice PPO covers 90% of hospitals, 79% of physicians statewide. Offers all four metal tiers.
Small Business Store lets you shop by zip code and metal tier. Strong national network for employees who travel.
Group plan, QSEHRA, or ICHRA?
Here's the actual difference.
The structure you choose affects your renewal exposure, participation requirements, and how much flexibility your employees get. Most brokers only show you Group plans.
Group Plan
You pick one plan, everyone enrolls. Predictable for HR, but you absorb renewal risk and need 75% participation.
QSEHRA
Set a monthly dollar allowance. Employees buy their own ACA plan. No participation minimums, no group underwriting.
ICHRA
Like QSEHRA but no contribution cap. Ideal for staffing agencies converting 1099 workers — each employee picks their own plan.
Side-by-side comparison
Source: IRS 2025 / HRA Council / ACA.gov| Feature | Group Plan | QSEHRA | ICHRA★ Fastest Growing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it works for | Any size (2–50 employees) | Fewer than 50 employees | Any size — no cap |
| 2025 annual contribution limit | No limit | $6,350 single / $12,800 family | No limit |
| Employee participation minimum | 75% of eligible employees | ✗ | ✗ |
| Employees choose their own plan | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renewal rate shock risk | High (double-digit hikes common) | Low — employer controls budget | Low — marketplace rates predictable |
| COBRA obligations | Yes (if 20+ employees) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Form 5500 filing required | Yes (if 100+ participants) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Tax deductible for employer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ICHRA adoption growth (2024→2025) | — | — | +18% small employers (HRA Council) |
| Best for | Stable teams, uniform coverage | Teams under 50, budget-first | Mixed workforce, 1099→W2 transitions |
ICHRA = Individual Coverage HRA · QSEHRA = Qualified Small Employer HRA · All limits are 2025 IRS figures
You may recover up to 50% of premiums paid.
If you have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, pay average wages below $56,000, and cover at least 50% of employee premiums through a SHOP marketplace plan — you may qualify. Most brokers don't run this calculation. We do it on every quote.
One form. One call.
One clear recommendation.
Shield reviews every ACA-compliant carrier in your county, runs the tax credit math, and sends you a single PDF with the best option for your team — explained in plain English.
28 pages. ACA mandate thresholds, carrier comparison, tax credit worksheet, ICHRA setup guide. No fluff.
Tell us about your team
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