eHealth Working With Square For SMB Health Insurance

Online health insurance exchange eHealth has announced a new initiative to target small businesses.

The company said Tuesday (Aug. 22) it is working with payments company Square to provide its small business customers with access to eHealth’s health insurance solutions. SMBs can access the eHealth website directly from within the Square dashboard, which brings them to a co-branded page for small business health insurance options.

The solution supports product comparison and customized quotes, eHealth said, as well as provides access to customer service and advice from eHealth agents. The health insurance firm also said it is introducing the capability for SMBs to apply for small group health insurance.

“We are incredibly excited to work with Square and introduce [its] small business customers to the great health insurance options available to them and their employees,” said Scott Flanders, eHealth CEO, in a statement. “Whether they’re purchasing coverage only for themselves or for their employees as well, a quality health insurance plan is an investment in any small business’s future — and eHealth has the comprehensive selection and tools they need to find the best plan for their needs.”

Changing healthcare regulations in the U.S. have many small businesses in wait-and-see mode. Earlier this year, the Trump administration began efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act’s small business enrollment program, which enables small businesses to enroll their employees in a health insurance plan via HealthCare.gov. The effort is part of broader plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act entirely.

Some research suggests healthcare legislation is a top concern for U.S. small business owners. In a survey released by BizBuySell this year, 44 percent of SMBs said healthcare is the number one government issue weighing on their minds, alongside taxes. That report found the majority of small businesses want the Affordable Care Act repealed.