ICHRA vs Traditional Group Health in Idaho — What Works for Boise Employers
Chris Antrim, CLTC - Boise Health & Life Agency • August 28, 2025
ICHRA gives budget control and broad employee choice; group plans provide uniform benefits. We model 12‑month cost, networks, and admin to help you choose confidently.
Quick Definitions
Traditional group plans put everyone on one or a few employer‑selected plans. ICHRA sets a monthly allowance per employee class; each employee buys an individual ACA plan and gets reimbursed tax‑advantaged.
Side‑by‑Side Snapshot
| Factor | Traditional Group | ICHRA |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Budget | Varies with renewal | Fixed allowance per class |
| Employee Choice | Limited options | Wide ACA marketplace options |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | Based on group plan | Each employee picks networks (e.g., St. Luke’s/St. Al’s) |
| Admin | Enrollment/COBRA | Reimbursement platform + documentation |
| Compliance | Familiar rules | Class design, affordability checks |
| Recruiting | Uniform benefits | Personalized fit by employee |
When Group Plans Fit Best
- You want uniform benefits and a single renewal cycle.
- Participation and contribution rules are easy to meet.
- Workforce prefers a consistent, simple experience.
When ICHRA Shines
- You need budget predictability across roles/departments.
- Employees are spread out or have diverse provider preferences.
- You want to launch benefits quickly without complex group underwriting.
Implementation Steps (We Handle This)
- Workforce & budget analysis; choose ICHRA classes or group contribution strategy.
- Network mapping for St. Luke’s/St. Alphonsus and key clinics.
- Employee education with clear instructions and office hours.
- Onboarding to reimbursement platform; payroll integration.
- Renewal strategy with communications and enrollment support.
Case Example (Boise Tech, 22 Employees)
A Boise tech firm moved from one group plan to ICHRA with tiered allowances. Employees gained plan choice aligned to their doctors and medications; the employer maintained a predictable budget and saw higher benefits satisfaction.
H2: FAQs
- Is ICHRA confusing for employees?
- We provide guided plan selection and one‑on‑one help.
- Can we keep HSAs?
- Many ACA plans are HSA‑eligible; we’ll confirm options.
- Can we switch models later?
- Yes—at renewal we can pivot between ICHRA and group.
Next Steps
Request a two‑scenario analysis (Group vs ICHRA). We’ll show total cost, provider fit, and admin steps so you can pick the right model for your Boise team.
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