Health Insurance Marketplace

Starting in 2014, individuals — and small employers — are being introduced to a new way of buying health insurance.

Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)

Small employers can buy group health care coverage by selecting a SHOP Marketplace plan on behalf of their employees. Or, pass and keep buying like they do now with a group contract.

Beginning in 2015, you'll have a few options for offering group health plan coverage based on your state.

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

You may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit if all of these apply:

• You have less than 25 full-time equivalent employees
• Your employees have average annual wages of less than $50,000
• You pay the same percentage for all employees and that percentage is equal to at least 50% of the premium cost for employee-only insurance coverage
• You've bought group health care through the SHOP Marketplace

The tax credit is worth up to 50% of your contribution toward your employees' premium costs (up to 35% for tax exempt employers).

Please visit Healthcare.gov  to find out more about Small Business Health Care Tax Credits.

Metallic Level Plans

Marketplace health plans will fall into one of four metallic levels. You'll find a variety of plans offered across the tiers, all covering essential health benefits (EHBs):

• SHOP - Each level shows much you'll pay into the total cost of your employee's coverage

• Marketplace - Each level shows a range for health coverage costs