The ACA includes measures to help small businesses access quality insurance.
Starting in 2014, small businesses can purchase health #insurance through a special marketplace
Small businesses have a new way to provide health insurance to employees. Insurance plans can no longer refuse coverage based on the health status of your employees, charge higher premiums for women or increase your group's premium for employees with high medical costs.
Small businesses may purchase health insurance in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) marketplace, where they can compare costs and benefits for plans. In 2014, businesses with 50 or fewer employees can use SHOP to offer coverage to their employees. Those businesses with fewer than 25 workers may be eligible for a tax credit.
You can go to HealthCare.gov to see plan choices for your business. Simply choose your state and you'll be directed to the health insurance marketplace that will serve you.
Note: If your state has a federally-facililtated marketplace, you can explore insurance options starting October 1. You will be able to shop for and enroll in plans beginning November 1. Coverage starts on January 1, 2014.
Small businesses that offer health coverage to their employees may be eligible for a tax credit.
This calculator from Small Business Majority allows you to find out what your tax credit will be based on number of employees, annual wages and premium contributions.
This report examines the development and implementation of the ACA's Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchange in six diverse states, and finds that small business owners will be able to offer employees a choice of plans—a rarity in the pre-health reform insurance marketplace.
This report explains how and why Massachusetts’ business leaders became involved and the difference their engagement has made. The brief also provides an overview of results and lessons learned.
