ConnectiCare vs Harvard Pilgrim for Small Business Insurance | Best Review in 2025

Selecting the ideal health insurance provider is crucial for small businesses aiming to offer competitive benefits and manage costs effectively. In Connecticut, ConnectiCare and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care are two prominent options, each with distinct offerings tailored to small businesses. This comparison will help you understand their differences and determine which aligns best with your company’s needs.

ConnectiCare: Tailored Solutions for Connecticut Businesses

ConnectiCare has been a trusted name in Connecticut’s health insurance landscape, offering a range of plans designed to meet diverse business requirements.

Key Offerings:

• Fixed Funding Solutions: These level-funded plans combine the predictability of fixed monthly payments with the potential for cost savings. Employers pay a set monthly fee covering claims, administrative costs, and stop-loss insurance. If claims are lower than expected, businesses may receive a refund of surplus funds.
  
• Group Medicare Advantage Plans: Designed for active employees and retirees, these plans provide comprehensive coverage, ensuring continuity of care for older employees.
  
• Dental Plans: ConnectiCare offers dental coverage options that can be bundled with medical plans, simplifying administration and providing comprehensive benefits to employees.
  

Important Update:

As of December 1, 2022, ConnectiCare ceased issuing quotes for new fully insured small group health plans and will not renew existing ones after May 31, 2023. However, they continue to offer level-funded plans, such as their Fixed Funding Solutions, catering to small businesses seeking alternative funding arrangements. 

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care: Comprehensive Coverage with Flexibility

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, now part of Point32 Health, provides a broad spectrum of health insurance plans suitable for small businesses in Connecticut and the broader New England region.

Key Offerings:

• Diverse Plan Options: Harvard Pilgrim offers various plan types, including HMO, PPO, and tiered network plans, allowing businesses to select the structure that best fits their employees’ needs and budget.
  
• SmartStart Program: This initiative ensures a smooth transition for businesses switching to Harvard Pilgrim, providing dedicated support during the onboarding process.
  
• Wellness Programs: Their Living Well℠ program offers resources and incentives to promote employee health and well-being, potentially reducing overall healthcare costs.
  
• National Network Access: Through a partnership with UnitedHealthcare, Harvard Pilgrim members gain access to a vast national network, beneficial for businesses with employees across multiple states.
  

Comparative Overview

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

• Choose ConnectiCare if:
  
  • Your business is based in Connecticut and you prefer a local insurer with a strong regional presence.
    
  • You’re interested in level-funded plans that offer potential cost savings and refunds on unused funds.
    
  • You seek bundled dental and medical coverage for simplified administration.
    
• Choose Harvard Pilgrim if:
  
  • Your business operates across multiple states and requires a broad national network.
    
  • You value a variety of plan structures to cater to diverse employee needs.
    
  • You want comprehensive wellness programs to promote employee health and reduce costs.