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Eligibility Guidelines

Find out if your business qualifies to offer your employees health and dental insurance through CCSB — and what to prepare before you get a quote or apply.

Is your business eligible?

CCSB connects employers with health and dental insurance for their employees. To participate, your business must meet a few basic requirements:

  • You have 100 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees.
  • You have at least one employee who receives a W-2 — this cannot be the owner or the owner's spouse.
  • The majority of your eligible employees live or work in California.
  • You offer health insurance to all eligible employees and meet contribution and participation requirements.

Tax credits are available to some qualifying small businesses, but tax-credit eligibility is separate from general program eligibility. Learn more about financial help for employers.

"covered california"

Talk me through this

Ready to see your options?

If your business appears to meet the eligibility requirements, the next step is to get a personalized quote or learn how to apply.

Get a QuoteHow to Apply

What is a full-time-equivalent employee?

A full-time-equivalent (FTE) employee is not a single person — it is a calculation. To determine your business size for eligibility purposes, you must count all full-time and part-time employees who worked during the previous calendar year (or who are reasonably expected to work in the current year if your business is new).

Calculating your FTE count is your responsibility as an employer. If you need help estimating your count, an FTE calculation tool on HealthCare.gov is available.

Which employees can be offered health insurance?

Employee Category
Employee Category
Eligibility Criteria
Insurance Eligibility
Full-time employees
30 or more hours per week
Eligible for health insurance
Part-time employees
20-29 hours per week
May be offered health insurance at the employer's discretion
Part-time employees
Fewer than 20 hours per week
Not eligible through CCSB
Seasonal or temporary employees
Employment type
Not eligible through CCSB
Form 1099 workers
Employment type
Not eligible through CCSB

Our Team Is Here to Help

Contact CCSB with questions about eligibility, enrollment and your health insurance options.

Contact Us

What should I have ready before I apply?

Before you apply, gather your:

  • Employer name as reported to the California Employment Development Department
  • Federal Employer Identification Number
  • Local business license (a copy is fine)
  • DE-9C
  • Employee roster
    • Addresses
    • Hire dates
    • Dates of birth
    • Social Security or tax identification numbers
  • Dependent information if you plan to offer insurance for dependents

Review employer forms and guides for the full list of required documents.

Take the Next Step

  • Get a Quote

    Share basic information about your business so our team can help you review plan options and pricing.

  • How to Apply

    Learn what to expect when you apply and how to get enrollment support from our team or a certified agent.

  • Financial Help for Employers

    See how small-business tax credits may help lower the cost of offering insurance to your employees.

  • Employer Forms and Guides

    Find the forms, applications and step-by-step guides you need to complete your small-business enrollment.