News

Kaiser Permanente has shared an underwriting update for California startup groups, effective June 1, 2026. Payroll Documentation Requirements for California startup groups with 5 or fewer enrolled employees, will now require at least two consecutive weeks of payroll records prior to enrollment. W-4 forms and paystubs will no longer be accepted.

•    These documents (W-4 forms and paystubs) may not be used to validate the employer–employee relationship

This applies to:
•    Newly established businesses, and
•    Existing businesses that have not yet established active payroll Acceptable Documentation
•    Payroll records covering two consecutive weeks (minimum)
•    Quarterly Wage Reports remain the preferred form of documentation when available

Payroll records are required to provide verifiable proof of an active employer–employee relationship. W 4 forms only indicate intent to establish payroll and do not confirm employment. Paystubs alone are no longer sufficient. 

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