Small businesses can shop off-exchange through a broker, buy a small-group plan...

https://remingtonsgreatchat.wordcanopy.com/posts/health-insurance-for-very-small-teams-why-does-it-feel-so-hard

Small businesses can shop off-exchange through a broker, buy a small-group plan directly from a carrier, or consider an HRA. Before comparing premiums, check that employees’ doctors and preferred hospitals are in network.