The Affordable Care Act’s SHOP Enrollment is Open

Whether you’re a small employer or a sole proprietor whose enrollment opened Nov. 15, the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) can help you find health coverage for yourself and your employees.  Find out how the SHOP Marketplace can help you get health coverage if you have fewer than 50 employees at: https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/provide-shop-coverage/.

If you have 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, the SHOP Marketplace offers you a choice of plans.  Remember that you can enroll in SHOP coverage at any time throughout the year, using an agent, broker, or insurance company that offers SHOP Qualified Health Plans.  This website will get you started: https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/employers/.  

The SBA also offers weekly “Affordable Care Act 101” webinars each Thursday in which small business owners’ ACA questions on the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) are answered.  For dates and time, scroll to the bottom of the page at this web address: www.sba.gov/healthcare.

Further Questions?  Just call the SHOP HOTLINE at 1-800-706-7893 (TTY: 1-800-706-7915), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. Remember, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees aren’t required to purchase employee coverage. If you choose not to purchase, there’s no penalty.