Blog Series - Affordable Care Act

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Many employers are still unsure as to their obligations under the Affordable Care Act.  The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace is a new program that simplifies the process of buying health insurance for small businesses. In 2014, SHOP helps employers with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees shop for, choose, and offer their employees high quality private health plans that fit their needs and budget. Beginning no later than January 1, 2016, SHOP will be available to employers with 100 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.

To start coverage on January 1, 2014, you must select a plan to offer your employees and your employees must enroll in the plan by December 15, 2013. We intend to extend this deadline to December 23, so check back here for an update. After this initial enrollment period, you may enroll in SHOP on a rolling monthly basis.

The deadline to enroll is always the 15th of the month for coverage to be effective the 1st of the following month. For example, if you enroll by April 15th, coverage will begin May 1st. If you enroll between April 16th and April 30th, coverage will begin June 1st.

After you've offered your employees coverage, make sure those who accept the offer submit their enrollment forms to the agent, broker or insurance company.

The following links provide additional answers to your questions or the option to sign up for email updates.

NYS Health Plan Marketplace FAQ - Click on Small Business Marketplace in the box on the left of the webpage.

Key Facts About the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace

Affordable Care Act Email Updates

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