Offering affordable health insurance benefits has become an increasingly difficult proposition for small businesses, which generally pay more for health insurance coverage while having fewer plan options available.  Avenue H was created to reverse that equation by helping Utah's small business control costs while offering expanded health coverage options to their employees.

Avenue H provides Utah businesses the ability to harness the power of defined contribution plans which offer multiple advantages for both employers and their employees.

Getting Started

In an effort to provide you with the best possible experience and to ensure the enrollment process is completed without any problems, we encourage employers to work with an insurance agent / producer who is credentialed with Avenue H.  If you are not currently using an insurance agent, then please use our Agent Search feature to find an authorized agent, to sell on the Exchange, in your area.

Note: Legislative House Bill 0128 passed in May, 2011.  The bill included additional requirements for agents to sell on Avenue H.  Many agents are in the process of completing the newly introduced credentialing and training requirements at this time.  If your agent name does not display, please check with them directly to determine authorization status.

Employer Eligibility

Small employer group participation with Avenue H is determined by specific criteria. This includes:

• Employer group must have from 2 to 50 eligible employees
• At least 50% of the group's enrolling employees must reside in the state of Utah
• All required information must be supplied to underwriting carriers within the allotted time line. This includes but is not limited to the company's latest Quarterly Wage & Tax Form
• Employer group must also meet the 75% participation requirements.  A final check is performed after the Open Enrollment closes for the employees

Employer Registration Requirements

Employer registration is completed by the employer's insurance agent via the application portal. The insurance agent will request the following information from the employer:

• Information about your company
• Your current health insurance plan information (if applicable)
• Your new hire waiting period
• Copies of your latest Quarterly Wage and Tax Form
• Your latest health insurance carrier bill (if applicable)

Key Dates for Employees

Avenue H is currently accepting small employer group applications.

• For employers with May 1, 2013 benefit effective date:
  Employer registration closed on March 1, 2013
  The deadline for submitting employee health applications was March 1, 2013
  The annual enrollment window for employees ends on April 11th
• For employers with June 1, 2013 benefit effective date:
  Employer registration closed on April 1, 2013
  The deadline for submitting employee health applications was April 1, 2013
  The annual enrollment window for employees begins on April 29th and runs through May 10th
• For employers with July 1, 2013 benefit effective date:
  Employer registration closed on May 1, 2013
  The deadline for submitting employee health applications was May 1, 2013
  The annual enrollment window for employees begins on May 24th and runs through June 7th
• For employers with August 1, 2013 benefit effective date:
  Employer registration is open until June 1, 2013
  The deadline for submitting employee health applications is June 1, 2013
  The annual enrollment window for employees begins on June 24th and runs through July 9th
• For employers with Sept 1, 2013 benefit effective date:
  Employer registration is open until July 1, 2013
  The deadline for submitting employee health applications is July 1, 2013
  The annual enrollment window for employees begins on July 29th and runs through August 9th
  
  Groups renewing for 2013 should contact their insurance agent.  The 2013 renewal time lines will closely resemble the "new group" time line listed above. 

Defined Contribution: Defined contribution approach greatly simplifies the planning and management of a company's health benefit options. Read more. 

Working with a Agent: Employers are encouraged to work with an insurance agent / producer that is appointed with Avenue H.  Please check with your agent directly to see if they are authorized to sell on Avenue H. If you are not currently using a insurance agent, please use our Agent Search to find one in your area.

Avenue H Participating Medical and HSA Providers

The following providers offer medical coverage to employees participating on Avenue H.  To learn more about each carrier, click on the provider's name below.

In addition to medical plans, Avenue H also offers consumers a choice of Health Savings Accounts.

To  learn more about the two options available, click on the provider's name below.

Domestic Partners

Domestic partners will be available as an option starting with Jan. 1, 2013 effective date groups. Employers who wish to offer domestic partner coverage must elect to offer it on eHealthApp. Employees who choose domestic partner coverage must then sign an affadavit as required by our partner carriers, and will be required to supply supporting documentation.

• Affidavit of Domestic Partnership — PDF Version

Quality & Transparency

One of the initiatives of Utah's Health System reform efforts is to provide consumers and businesses with greater quality and transparency information regarding their health choices.  Here you will find information that will help you to make better and more informed choices.  Quality & Transparency »