For startups with less than 50 employees on board, SHOP is for you! SHOP or otherwise known as Small Business Health Options Program is a program by the healthcare.gov that offers quality, affordable coverage to your employees all the time. Since the Affordable Care Act requires that a comprehensive health insurance is put in place for every individuals in american soil, this reform have improved access and affordability in terms of health care for all Americans.
Companies who employ a few can take advantage of the SHOP Marketplace to provide the necessary health care to their employees. For those with 1-50 full-time-equivalent employees (FTEs) (In Virginia, the FF-SHOP Marketplace is open to employers with 1-100 FTE employees.) If you have lesser than 25 employees, you may qualify for a tax credit if you buy insurance through the SHOP Marketplace.
One of the many benefits of the SHOP Marketplace is a.)You can choose from up to 4 levels of health coverage to find plan packages that suits the needs of your business and employee preference. b.) You can choose to offer health only, dental only, or both health and dental coverage.
As for the sole proprietor and self-employed entrepreneurs, although not qualified to get insurance in the SHOP Marketplace can still get their coverage through Health Insurance Marketplace for Individuals and Families,you can visit this link for more information.
For a more elaborated information about coverage and premiums you can visit healthcare.gov
