The short version
- We are accepting new employer clients for January 1, 2027 start dates.
- From November 15 to December 15, carriers must accept small groups for January 1 even if they miss participation or contribution rules.
- Carriers set their own application cutoffs, so starting in November leaves room for employee enrollment.
Yes, we are taking new clients
Some brokers stop taking new groups in December because the season is busy. We plan for it. We work with employers anywhere in Washington, in person around Puget Sound and by phone and video statewide, and we are taking new groups for January 1 coverage now.
That includes businesses offering benefits for the first time, groups unhappy with a renewal, and companies that simply want a broker who answers the phone.
The dates that matter for January 1
| Date | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| November 15 to December 15 | The annual window when small group carriers must accept a group for January 1 coverage even if it cannot meet their usual participation or contribution rules. Source: 45 CFR 147.104. |
| December | Carriers set their own application deadlines for a January 1 start. We confirm the exact cutoff for each carrier you are considering. |
| 60 days ahead, for groups of 1 or 2 | Some carriers want tax and payroll proof for very small groups well before the start date, so January 1 may not be possible with every carrier. See our owner-only test. |
| January 1, 2027 | New coverage starts, as long as the application, employee enrollment and first premium are complete. |
Starting in November leaves time for the part that takes longest: getting employees enrolled.
What we need from you to start
- An employee census. Dates of birth, home ZIP codes and who would enroll. Our employee census page explains what to include and how to send it securely.
- Your current plan, if you have one. The plan summary and the renewal, so we can compare like for like.
- Business basics. Your principal business address, which sets your rating area, plus your industry and the start date you want.
- Your budget. What the company can contribute per employee, or for families, so we design around a real number.
What December looks like when you start now
- Quotes. We compare small group plans across carriers, plus level-funded and association options where you qualify.
- Decision. We review the options with you in person or by video, including what each employee would pay per paycheck.
- Setup. We load your plans and employees into Employee Navigator and create a benefit booklet with your company name on it.
- Employee meetings. Group sessions on site or by video, plus one-on-one appointments for anyone who wants private help.
- Enrollment and submission. Employees enroll online, and we submit the application and elections to the carrier.
- January. ID cards arrive, payroll deductions start and we stay on call for the first-month questions.
Already have a broker or a plan?
You do not have to change your plan to change your broker. A broker of record letter moves service on your existing plan to us. Carriers process it on their own timelines, often within a couple of weeks.
If your renewal came in high, you can also move to a new plan for January 1, or later in the year. Small group coverage can generally be bought at any time of year, subject to carrier rules. Our guide on changing plans after a renewal explains how.
If January 1 is too tight
A rushed enrollment helps nobody. If the dates do not work, February 1 or March 1 are fine start dates for a small group plan, and many employers keep their current coverage in place until then. We will tell you plainly whether January 1 is realistic for your group.
What it costs to work with us
There is no fee at this time for our agency's services, including market comparisons, Employee Navigator, benefit booklets, employee meetings and year-round service. Carriers pay us through commissions. Third-party administrators, such as a COBRA administrator, may charge their own fees, and we identify them before you decide.
Ready to start? Contact us or send your census through the employee census page.
Common employer benefits questions
Are you accepting new clients for January 1, 2027?
Yes. We are taking new employer clients for January 1 start dates, from owner-run corporations to companies with 500 employees, anywhere in Washington.
What is the deadline to start group coverage on January 1?
Each carrier sets its own December cutoff for a January 1 start. Starting in November leaves time for employee enrollment. Groups of 1 or 2 may need to submit paperwork earlier.
What if we cannot meet a carrier's participation requirement?
From November 15 to December 15, small group carriers must accept groups for January 1 coverage even if they miss participation or contribution rules. Outside that window, carriers can apply those rules.
Can we switch brokers without changing our plan?
Yes. A broker of record letter moves service on your existing plan to us. Carriers process it on their own timelines.
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