If my group purchases a guaranteed issue policy from one insurer, does that policy cost the same through all insurers?
No. Each insurer can determine its rates for a group based on the claims experience for all small employers insured by that insurer.

Your rate for your guaranteed issue policy can be affected by several factors, including: age, gender, geographic area, industry, and family composition. In addition, your group, not one individual, can be charged more due to the health conditions of members of the group.

Prior to June 10, 1997, premium rates in the small employer group market were based on a modified community rating. With the change in legislation on June 10, 1997, a carrier in the small employer market is allowed to charge no more than 25% over the index rate for a small employer group with health conditions.

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1. What is the purpose of the Small Employer Health Insurance Availability Act?
2. Who is eligible?
3. What happens if I don’t enroll when I am initially eligible?
4. What happens if I am a late enrollee?
5. Can a pre-existing condition be excluded from coverage under the Small Employer Health Insurance Availability Act?
6. What is creditable coverage under Health Insurance Portability and Availability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)?
7. Does a husband and wife constitute a group?
8. If my group purchases a guaranteed issue policy from one insurer, does that policy cost the same through all insurers?
9. Can an employer offer coverage only to a certain classification of employees?
10. Which insurers are marketing the guaranteed issue products?
11. Whom do I contact if I have more questions?