The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) has a new enrollment process for 2018 that will affect how small employers apply for and manage their SHOP coverage that starts on or after January 1, 2018.
For 2018 coverage, there are 2 options for signing up for a SHOP health and/or dental insurance plan:
Note: You’ll no longer use HealthCare.gov for enrolling in, managing, and paying premiums for SHOP coverage. Don’t log in to your existing HealthCare.gov account, create a new one, or start an application through HealthCare.gov for 2018 coverage.
Specific enrollment steps may vary by insurance company for plans starting on or after January 1, 2018. Contact your insurance company or a SHOP-registered agent or broker if you have questions. Learn more about the new process for signing up for 2018 SHOP plans.
You must meet certain requirements to qualify for SHOP insurance. To verify that you can enroll in SHOP coverage starting on or after January 1, 2018, use the new SHOP Eligibility Determination Form.
The SHOP Eligibility Determination Form only takes a few minutes to fill out, and you’ll get an instant determination. Just enter some basic information about your business, certify that you meet certain eligibility requirements, review your form, and submit.
Save your eligibility determination results for your records. Proof of SHOP eligibility may be required to enroll in SHOP coverage through an insurance company or to claim the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
Note: If your plan began on or before December 1, 2017, the SHOP changes will not affect you until your current 12-month plan period expires. You will continue to use HealthCare.gov to manage your coverage until then. When it’s time to renew, you’ll follow the new SHOP enrollment process for 2018. Learn more about 2017 SHOP coverage.