SHOP Delayed One Month
September 30, 2013
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides for the establishment of state-based insurance exchanges (or marketplaces) for individuals as well as small businesses (called SHOP exchanges). These exchanges (whether state or federal) were to open for business on October 1, 2013 allowing people to purchase coverage for the 2014 year. In another unexpected announcement, the Federal Government indicated September 26 that the federally-established SHOP exchanges would not be open for business until November 1, 2013.
Background
Each state could establish either one ACA exchange covering both individuals and small businesses, or two exchanges — one for individuals and one for small businesses. The exchange for small businesses is known as SHOP, standing for Small Business Health Options Program. States that did not establish their own ACA exchange had the Federal Government step in to set one up for them. Other states set up an exchange under a state and federal partnership. There are 36 federally established or partnership exchanges.
Early in the week of September 23, the Federal Government provided a report with general information about the insurance options that would be available on their exchanges — including number of insurers, policies and general information on rates. This announcement showed a wide variation in rates even within a state, averaging nationwide at $328/month for single level coverage at the silver level plan.
SHOP Delay
And then September 26, the Federal Government announced that small businesses will not be able to enroll in their SHOP marketplaces on October 1st as previously announced. Instead small businesses wishing to use a Federal Government SHOP marketplace must wait until November 1st. Coverage, however, will still be effective as early as January 1, 2014.
Enrollment in coverage for individuals through the state exchanges is still set to begin October 1.
SESCO has recently updated "An Employer's Guide to Healthcare Reform" providing a detailed overview of what is required by the law, including a timeline indicating when different provisions are to be implemented. This white paper is available for $15.00 ($10.00 for retainer clients) and may be ordered by phone at 423-764-4127, by clicking HERE from our Online Publications store, or by email at sesco@sescomgt.com.
