Updated July 2026 · MarylandPlanFinder.com — Licensed Health Insurance Producer (NPN #21249133)

Small Business Health Insurance for Landscaping Companies in Severn, Maryland

Small landscaping businesses in Severn can choose from group health plans, Individual Coverage HRAs (ICHRAs), or allow employees to use Maryland Health Connection.
In 2026, 4 carriers, including CareFirst BlueChoice and Wellpoint, offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which includes Severn and Anne Arundel County.
Maryland offers expanded Medicaid (HealthChoice) for adults up to 138% FPL, and the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) for children up to 300% FPL.
PPO plans are available on-exchange in Maryland, providing more network flexibility for small business employees compared to HMOs or EPOs.

For landscaping companies in Severn, Maryland, providing health insurance to employees is a critical decision that impacts recruitment, retention, and overall business health. Navigating the options, from traditional group plans to newer solutions like Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs), requires understanding Maryland's specific regulations and local market offerings. This guide outlines the key considerations for small business owners in Severn looking to secure comprehensive and affordable health coverage for their teams in 2026. Whether you're a solo proprietor looking to expand or a growing firm with several employees, understanding your choices is the first step toward a robust benefits strategy.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available for Landscaping Businesses?

Small landscaping businesses in Severn, Maryland, generally have three primary paths for providing health insurance: traditional group health plans, Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs), or directing employees to individual plans through the Maryland Health Connection marketplace. The best option depends on factors such as the number of employees, budget, desired level of employer contribution, and administrative capacity.

Traditional Group Health Plans

Group health insurance involves the employer purchasing a single plan to cover all eligible employees. These plans typically require a minimum number of participating employees (often two or more, excluding the owner in some cases) and an employer contribution toward premiums. In Maryland's Rating Area 1, which includes Severn, small businesses can access a range of plan types, including HMO, PPO, and EPO options. Group plans offer a predictable cost structure for employees and can be a strong recruitment tool.

Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs)

ICHRAs are a more flexible, employer-funded option where businesses reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and other qualified medical expenses. The landscaping business sets a monthly allowance, and employees purchase their own plans from Maryland Health Connection or the open market. This approach offers employees more choice in their coverage and can provide the business with more budget predictability, as contributions are fixed.

Individual Plans via Maryland Health Connection

For very small landscaping businesses, or those that prefer not to offer a group plan, employees can purchase individual health insurance directly through the Maryland Health Connection. Employees may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions based on their household income, making coverage more affordable. While this option shifts the responsibility of choosing and paying for a plan to the employee, some businesses may offer a taxable stipend to help employees cover their premiums.

Understanding Maryland's Health Insurance Landscape in Severn

Severn, Maryland, located in Anne Arundel County, is part of Rating Area 1 for health insurance purposes. This rating area covers a significant portion of the state, including Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, Somerset, St. Mary's, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. Understanding the local market ensures you select a plan that meets the needs of your landscaping team. Anne Arundel County, with a population of 598,166 and a median income of $124,911 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, offers a robust healthcare infrastructure. The county is home to major acute care facilities such as Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, Inc in Annapolis and University of MD Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie. When choosing a plan, consider the network access to these local hospitals and specialists. For example, a PPO plan generally offers more flexibility in choosing providers, while HMOs often require selecting a primary care physician within a specific network. Maryland's marketplace, Maryland Health Connection, is a state-based exchange. Unlike some states, Maryland offers PPO plans on-exchange, alongside HMO and EPO options, giving small business employees more choices. This is particularly beneficial for landscaping professionals who may travel across the state for projects and desire broader network access.

Health Insurance Carriers in Severn

For 2026, 4 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which serves Severn and Anne Arundel County. These carriers provide various plan types (HMO, PPO, and EPO) to meet diverse needs and budgets of small landscaping businesses and their employees. The confirmed carriers for this rating area include:

CareFirst BlueChoice
CareFirst of Maryland
Optimum Choice
Wellpoint

When evaluating options, compare not only the premiums but also the deductibles, copayments, out-of-pocket maximums, and the specific provider networks offered by each of CareFirst BlueChoice, CareFirst of Maryland, Optimum Choice, and Wellpoint. A licensed health insurance producer can help you compare plans and ensure compliance with Maryland regulations.

Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility in Maryland

Maryland has expanded its Medicaid program, known as Maryland Medicaid or HealthChoice, which means adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for comprehensive, low-cost health coverage. This is an important consideration for landscaping business owners and their employees who may have fluctuating incomes. Additionally, Maryland offers the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP), which provides coverage for uninsured children up to 300% FPL. Pregnant women in Maryland also have access to comprehensive Medicaid coverage up to 250% FPL, which includes prenatal care, labor and delivery, and extended postpartum care. These programs can provide a crucial safety net for employees who may not be covered by an employer's plan or who need supplemental coverage. Applications for these programs can be made through Maryland Health Connection or the local Department of Social Services.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Landscaping Business

Selecting the ideal health insurance solution for your Severn-based landscaping business depends on several factors:

Number of Employees: If you have 2 or more eligible employees, a traditional group plan or ICHRA becomes a viable option. For fewer employees, individual plans through Maryland Health Connection might be more practical.
Budget: Determine how much your business can realistically contribute to employee health coverage. ICHRAs offer fixed contributions, while group plans may have more variable costs depending on employee enrollment.
Employee Needs: Consider the demographics and health needs of your team. Do they prefer lower premiums with higher deductibles (Bronze or Silver plans) or comprehensive coverage with lower out-of-pocket costs (Gold or Platinum plans)? Do they need PPO flexibility or are they comfortable with an HMO network?
Administrative Capacity: Group plans can involve more administrative overhead, while ICHRAs and individual plans shift more of the administrative burden to employees.

A licensed health insurance producer specializing in small business plans can help you evaluate these factors and compare quotes from CareFirst BlueChoice, CareFirst of Maryland, Optimum Choice, and Wellpoint, ensuring you find a plan that aligns with your business goals and employee needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum employee requirements for a small business group health plan in Maryland?

In Maryland, small employers typically need at least two full-time equivalent employees to qualify for a group health plan. This usually excludes the owner and their spouse if they are the only employees. Some carriers may have specific requirements, so it's best to confirm with a licensed producer.

Can landscaping business owners in Severn get individual ACA plans?

Yes, landscaping business owners in Severn who are self-employed or do not have access to an employer-sponsored plan can purchase individual health insurance through Maryland Health Connection. They may qualify for subsidies based on household income and size, which can significantly reduce monthly premiums.

Are PPO plans available for small businesses in Severn, Maryland?

Yes, PPO plans are available for small businesses in Severn, Maryland, both on and off the Maryland Health Connection marketplace. Carriers like CareFirst of Maryland and CareFirst BlueChoice offer PPO options, providing more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers compared to HMO or EPO plans.

What is an ICHRA and how does it work for a small landscaping business?

An Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) allows a landscaping business to reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and other qualified medical expenses. The business sets a budget for contributions, and employees choose their own plans from Maryland Health Connection or the open market. This can offer more flexibility and cost control for the employer.