Your Benefits Broker Should Save You More Than They Cost.
Most employers overpay for benefits — not because they’re careless, but because they don’t have an expert in their corner at renewal time. JS Benefits Group delivers measurable, documented savings through smarter plan design, aggressive carrier negotiation, and compliance that prevents costly mistakes.

The Numbers Are Staggering.
Healthcare costs are projected to rise 7–8% in 2026, yet 67% of employers renew without ever shopping the market — because carriers count on that inertia. We don’t let that happen. From level-funded plan design to ACA compliance, our clients typically save 15–30% in year one — and every service is included at no additional cost.

Real Employers. Real Savings.
A Pennsylvania manufacturer with 145 employees saved $187,000 in year one. A New Jersey firm avoided $94,500 in IRS penalties. A Delaware healthcare organization reduced premiums by 22% — while employees actually preferred the new plan.

Find Out What You’re Leaving on the Table.
A free benefits analysis takes less than an hour and shows you exactly what your current plan is costing you — and what a smarter strategy would save. No pressure. No obligation. Just numbers.

Submit the form on the left or click here for more information.

Your Benefits Broker Should Save You More Than They Cost.
Most employers overpay for benefits — not because they’re careless, but because they don’t have an expert in their corner at renewal time. JS Benefits Group delivers measurable, documented savings through smarter plan design, aggressive carrier negotiation, and compliance that prevents costly mistakes.

The Numbers Are Staggering.
Healthcare costs are projected to rise 7–8% in 2026, yet 67% of employers renew without ever shopping the market — because carriers count on that inertia. We don’t let that happen. From level-funded plan design to ACA compliance, our clients typically save 15–30% in year one — and every service is included at no additional cost.

Real Employers. Real Savings.
A Pennsylvania manufacturer with 145 employees saved $187,000 in year one. A New Jersey firm avoided $94,500 in IRS penalties. A Delaware healthcare organization reduced premiums by 22% — while employees actually preferred the new plan.

Find Out What You’re Leaving on the Table.
A free benefits analysis takes less than an hour and shows you exactly what your current plan is costing you — and what a smarter strategy would save. No pressure. No obligation. Just numbers.

Submit the form on the left or click here for more information.

About Jennifer Schaefer

Jennifer Schaefer, MBA, CLU, CHFC, RHU, REBC, SHRM-SCP – Employee Benefits Expert | HR Leader | Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist I help businesses lower healthcare costs, implement level funded and self-funded plans, and create benefits programs that attract and retain top talent. Featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer and BestofHR.
15 03, 2018

Cutting Benefits: How It Affects Your Business in the Long Term

By |2018-02-24T06:29:15-05:00March 15th, 2018|Categories: Employee Benefits|

Most businesses offer their employees some kinds of benefits, the most common being health insurance. However, increase in the cost of premiums has been the cause of financial burden for these companies.

In such cases, companies are forced to take drastic measures in order to minimize rising costs. This includes cutting down the benefits they offer. […]

12 03, 2018

5 Sure-Fire Tactics to Improve Employee Recruitment

By |2018-02-24T06:20:00-05:00March 12th, 2018|Categories: HR|

Employee recruitment is not an easy task. You need to find people who can easily fit into your organization’s culture and help it grow and prosper. Statistics show that the percentage of job openings is higher than the percentage of hiring in the United States. […]

10 03, 2018

Understanding Employee Benefits in the Restaurant Industry

By |2018-02-24T06:16:25-05:00March 10th, 2018|Categories: Employee Benefits|

The restaurant industry is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the United States. In 2015, sales reached almost $746 Billion. Forecasts suggest that by 2026, the total number of people employed in the industry will rise to 16 million people. […]

9 03, 2018

Common Employee Benefits Issues (And How to Address Them)

By |2018-02-24T06:12:32-05:00March 9th, 2018|Categories: Employee Benefits|

The employees of a company are its backbone. Therefore, it is essential that the company takes measures to make sure that its employees always stay motivated. This ensures that the company retains its employees and reduces the rate of absenteeism. […]

8 03, 2018

How The ACA Repeal Could Impact Employee Benefits

By |2018-02-24T06:06:10-05:00March 8th, 2018|Categories: Employee Benefits|

It doesn’t matter which side of the political fence you’re on, you know that whatever changes will be made to the Affordable Care Act, there will be major changes to employee benefits as well.

Unfortunately, most employees are unaware of how this will change how employee benefits work. And the rest don’t think they will face any problems. But the truth is, the repeal will bring significant changes in the way businesses provide perks to their workforce.

Here’s how the ACA repeal could impact […]

6 03, 2018

3 Health Insurance Tips for Small Businesses

By |2026-05-04T07:00:42-04:00March 6th, 2018|Categories: Group Health|

Small Business Health Insurance in New Jersey: What Employers Should Know

Small business health insurance in New Jersey can affect hiring, retention, employee satisfaction, and long-term stability. Many owners know health benefits matter. The harder part is choosing coverage that fits the company, the budget, and the employees.

Health insurance can help a small business compete for better workers. It can also feel expensive and confusing. Before choosing a plan, owners should review premiums, deductibles, provider networks, employee costs, eligibility rules, and compliance needs.

The right plan should balance cost, coverage, compliance, and employee value. A low-cost plan may not give employees the access they expect. A stronger plan may strain the budget if the employer contribution is too high.

Why Health Insurance Matters for Small Businesses

Employees often review health insurance before they accept or leave a job. A small business that offers quality coverage can look more stable, organized, and competitive.

Health insurance helps employees manage the cost of medical care. It can support access to preventive care, prescriptions, specialists, emergency care, and ongoing treatment.

For business owners, health insurance can support retention and morale. Replacing good employees takes time and money. A weak benefits package may make it easier for competitors to attract your team.

Health insurance may also offer tax advantages. In many cases, employers can treat paid health insurance premiums as a business expense. Some smaller employers may also qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

Know Whether Your Business Is Required to Offer Coverage

Not every small business must offer health insurance. In general, businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees, do not fall under the Affordable Care Act employer shared responsibility rules.

The rules become more serious for larger employers. Businesses that meet the Applicable Large Employer threshold may need to offer affordable coverage. That coverage must also provide minimum value to full-time employees and their dependents.

A full-time employee usually averages at least 30 hours of service per week or 130 hours per month. This matters because many businesses use a mix of full-time, part-time, seasonal, and variable-hour employees.

Employee classification can affect whether a business crosses the 50 full-time equivalent employee threshold. Owners should review employee counts, hours worked, and state-specific considerations with a qualified benefits professional.

Compare Your Health Insurance Options Carefully

Small businesses may have several options for employee health coverage. The right choice depends on employee count, budget, location, participation rules, contribution strategy, and plan flexibility.

A traditional small group health insurance plan is one common option. The employer offers coverage to eligible employees and usually contributes toward the premium. Some employers may also review SHOP coverage, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, or other plan structures.

Do not judge cost by the monthly premium alone. A low-premium plan may have a high deductible, narrow provider network, limited specialist access, or higher out-of-pocket costs.

A richer plan may provide stronger coverage, but it can also create a larger cost for the business. Owners should compare premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, provider networks, prescription coverage, out-of-pocket maximums, and contribution requirements.

The best plan is not always the cheapest plan. It is the plan that fits the company’s budget while still giving employees useful coverage.

Why Professional Guidance Matters

Health insurance can be hard to sort through without a full human resources team. Plan documents, carrier options, eligibility rules, enrollment windows, participation requirements, and compliance issues can all affect the decision.

A benefits consultant can explain the options in plain language. They can compare plans, review cost differences, check coverage details, and help the business avoid poor-fit coverage.

This guidance can help growing businesses. A company with a few employees today may need a different benefits strategy next year. The plan should support the business now and leave room for future growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business Health Insurance in New Jersey

Many small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees, do not have to offer health insurance under ACA employer shared responsibility rules. Larger employers may need to follow those rules, so employee counts and full-time equivalent calculations matter.

Small businesses should compare premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, provider networks, prescription coverage, out-of-pocket maximums, and contribution requirements. The cheapest plan is not always the best fit if it limits access or creates high costs for employees.

Some small businesses may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. Eligibility can depend on employee count, average wages, employer premium contributions, and whether the business buys coverage through SHOP.

Small businesses may consider traditional small group health insurance, SHOP coverage, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, or other plan structures. The right option depends on the company’s size, budget, employee needs, and eligibility.

A benefits consultant can help a business compare plans, understand costs, review carrier differences, and evaluate employee needs. This can help the business avoid coverage that is too expensive, too limited, or poorly matched to the workforce.

Work With an Employee Benefits Consultant in New Jersey

Choosing health insurance for your employees is an important business decision. The right plan can help your business compete, support your team, and manage benefit costs.

Our team helps New Jersey businesses compare employee health insurance options. We explain coverage differences and help employers choose plans that fit their employees and budget.

If your New Jersey business is comparing health insurance options, get in touch today to schedule an appointment. We can help you review plans, understand costs, and choose coverage that fits your employees and your budget.

27 02, 2018

How Key Person Insurance Can Help Protect The Life Of Your Business

By |2018-02-19T03:22:22-05:00February 27th, 2018|Categories: Key Person|

While life insurance can provide a much-needed financial security when the sole breadwinner passes away, Key Person Insurance, also known as Keyman Insurance, can do the same for a company.

Key Person refers to an individual—an employee, proprietor, partner—on whom the business is depending for success. […]

23 02, 2018

The Three Most Common Human Resources Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

By |2018-02-10T06:21:36-05:00February 23rd, 2018|Categories: HR|

From strategic planning to solidifying your brand image, the Human Resource department plays an integral role in the corporate environment. As the department effectively acts as the voice of an organization, any errors committed by it reflect badly on the entire organization as a whole! […]