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You already know that the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) was created to help you find health insurance that meets the needs of your business and your employees.
But here’s something you probably didn’t know: In states with a SHOP Marketplace that’s run by the federal government, we’ve changed the enrollment process for 2014 only. While we continue to improve the online experience at HealthCare.gov, we’re offering “direct enrollment” instead of online enrollment, so you can get your employees covered and take advantage of the new enhanced Small Business Health Care tax credit as soon as possible.
It’s simple. With direct enrollment, you can apply, shop, and enroll by contacting an agent, broker, or insurance company that offers a SHOP Marketplace plan—much as many small employers already do today. Visit HealthCare.gov and select your state to learn more about applying for SHOP coverage.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Be sure to tell the agent, broker, or insurance company that you want a SHOP Qualified Health Plan. Your employees must be enrolled in a SHOP plan for you to qualify for the tax credit.
- You don’t need to apply for SHOP eligibility or wait to receive an official notice of eligibility before enrolling in SHOP coverage. But you must get notification that you’re eligible to participate in the SHOP Marketplace to qualify for the tax credit before you file your 2014 tax returns.
Questions? Call 1-800-706-7893, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. TTY users should call 1-800-706-7915.
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