· Generally, as a small employer, you can be charged higher premiums because someone in your group is seriously ill. The law does not prohibit Pennsylvania health insurers from charging you more because of the health status of your group or other factors.

However, if you buy small group coverage from a Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan, you can not charged more because of the health status of someone in your group but you can be charged more for other demographic factors such as age, gender and industry. This is called modified community rating.