Beginning on November 15, small businesses can enroll in Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) coverage without having to meet the Minimum Participation Rate (MPR) in their state or a minimum employer contribution requirement. This allows small businesses to offer a SHOP plan even if they dont meet the required participation level. This waiver will only be available for one month, so make plans to enroll as soon as possible from November 15 to December 15. After December 15, small businesses will need to meet their states MPR and an employer minimum contribution requirement to enroll in SHOP coverage. For most states, this means 70% of employees must either accept the offer of SHOP coverage or be enrolled in other qualified health coverage for a group to participate in SHOP. Employer contribution rules may also require you to contribute a specified percentage to your employees premium costs. The MPR Calculator is available to help employers predict if they will meet the MPR required to enroll in SHOP coverage in their state. |