The Washington Post reports a critical function of the federal government’s new health insurance marketplace for small businesses has been pushed back for a second time. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that employers will not be able to enroll in plans through the SHOP until the end of November. Under the first delay, small employers were slated to begin enrolling their employees in health insurance plans on Friday, November 1st.
Fraser Trebilcock Senior Health Care and Business Attorney, Michael James says the additional delay poses a big concern for small employers. “As it stands now, this delay means that small businesses would only have the first half of December to enroll in a health plan, in order for coverage to begin January 1st. For businesses receiving notices that their current policies are being canceled due the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, the new delay has small employers on edge.”
Politicians on Capitol Hill are already questioning whether this would allow enough time for small businesses to make health coverage decisions. “I would not be surprised if we see more delays,” said James.
To find out more about the Health Insurance Marketplace and the impact the Affordable Care Act has on health care and your business, contact attorney Michael James at mjames@fraserlawfirm.com or 517-377-0823. Michael James, a senior attorney at Fraser Trebilcock, provides representation and counseling related to all facets of business enterprise and health care matters.