Wisconsin Small Business Law Overview

Wisconsin small employers are not required by state law to offer employees health care benefits. However, many small employers offer health benefits to their employees in order to attract and keep good employees. Small employer health insurance is available in Wisconsin from several insurers and managed care plans.  A small employer is defined as one who employs at least 2 but not more than 50 employees in Wisconsin. State law defines an eligible employee is one who works on a permanent basis and has a normal work week of 30 or more hours. This includes a sole proprietor, a business owner, including the owner of a farm business, a partner of a partnership, and an independent contractor if these individuals are included as an employee under a health benefit plan of a small employer. The term does not include an employee who works on a temporary or substitute basis or less than 30 hours a week.  As the employer, you choose the health benefit plan that meets both your needs and your budget. This may mean deciding which plan is worth the cost. For example, plans that allow you the most choices in doctors and hospitals also tend to cost more than plans that limit choices. Plans that help manage the care you receive usually cost you less, but employees give up some freedom of choice.

(For full explanation see)   http://oci.wi.gov/employers/health.htm