advising my new employer on what insurance the business should provide us

Thank you for this extremely valuable support!

Where are the guidelines, formulas or lists a business accountant creating an insurance offering for a small business to staff to access to rock through this in the simplest way? Here is what I understand:

I am 61 and just started working for a guy (age 51) just now starting a company providing IT Services to small businesses(aiming at taking on 5 employees next year). Part of my job is advising on employment styles and practices that most benefits both this employer and his employees. This business owner is also an employee of the business and needs to provide health insurance to himself, his wife and their 2 young kids. So, we both want the best insurance which is also best for the business.

Living in Alameda and Santa Cruz Counties, in N. CA, besides needing good basic health insurance, we both are very into lots of “alternative“: physical fitness, yoga, therapies, PT, chiropractic, supplements, herbs, ergonomics and psychology. We would like to have full dental and full vision. (I personally require special vision exams, glasses and vision therapy for a vision problem that costs $500-3000 annually.)

I understand this may be best done through a combination of several insurance plans, health accounts and tax deductible methods.

We haven’t turned a profit yet. So, for at least the next year or two, we need to be financially careful – but keeping these high end goals in mind or as an option.

We are not highly paid so we are probably not interested in High-Deductible HDHPs.

Otherwise, consider me a nubie to this subject.

BARD AI offered this:

PPO plans allow employees to see any doctor or specialist in their network, with a copay or coinsurance. These plans typically have higher premiums than HMO plans, but they offer more flexibility…

In addition to the type of plan, small businesses can also offer employees additional benefits that support physical therapy, alternative therapy, and alternative health options….(including)

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) provide confidential counseling and support services to employees, including help with stress management, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. EAPs can also provide referrals… (for) physical therapy, alternative therapy, and alternative health options.

Wellness programs can …include on-site fitness centers, health screenings, and educational programs…

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) allow employees to set aside money from their paychecks on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses, including physical therapy, alternative therapy, and alternative health options. By offering a variety of health plans and benefits, small businesses can help their employees…stay healthy and productive.