Question 1

Do I need to offer benefits as a solo founder?

Accepted Answer

No. As a self-employed person with no W-2 employees, you are not required to offer employer-sponsored coverage. The benefits decision is personal — how you cover yourself — and may involve the individual marketplace, a self-employed retirement account, or speaking with a licensed advisor about what fits your situation.

Question 2

At what point do I have to offer health insurance to employees?

Accepted Answer

Federal employer mandate rules generally apply to employers with 50 or more full-time-equivalent employees. Smaller employers are not subject to the federal mandate, though state-specific rules and certain programs may still apply. The decision to offer coverage before that threshold is a recruiting and retention choice rather than a federal requirement.

Question 3

What are the main health-coverage paths when I hire my first employee?

Accepted Answer

Common paths include keeping individual coverage separate, evaluating a small-group plan, or considering an ICHRA when appropriate. Eligibility, affordability, network needs, employee location, and administration all matter. SSGI can help compare the practical options; no single approach fits every employer.

Question 4

How does hiring across state lines change the benefits decision?

Accepted Answer

Employees in different states may be subject to different plan networks, state coverage mandates, paid-leave programs, and tax filings. A plan that works in one state may not be available or compliant in another. The decision is which structures travel cleanly and where state-specific programs need to be layered in.

Question 5

What does a founder benefits review include?

Accepted Answer

A review is a conversational walk-through of your stage, the decisions in front of you, and the options that realistically fit. It is not a sales presentation and carries no obligation. We will not submit applications, change carriers, or take any action without your direction.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs