SHOP Sees Delays, But Individual Marketplace Set for On-Time Launch

It is taking longer than planned to get the health insurance marketplace for small groups fully implemented.

No need for employer groups to worry. Like always, they can rely on us. They should visit HealthAlliance.org or call 1-800-851-3379 for more information about Affordable Care Act-compliant plans that fits their needs and their employee’s needs.

Yesterday’s Health and Human Services release said, “Unlike individuals purchasing through the marketplace, small employers can enroll in insurance plans through the SHOP on a monthly basis throughout the year. As such, some states are phasing in SHOP application and enrollment periods.  The SHOP Marketplace for Federally Facilitated Marketplace states opens October 1, when small employers can start the application process and get an overview of available plans and premiums in their area. All functions for SHOP will be available in November and if employers and employees enroll by December 15, 2013, coverage will begin January 1, 2014. Detailed information on the SHOP application and enrollment process are available at HealthCare.gov.”

The individual health insurance marketplace, where people who purchase their own insurance can compare plans and purchase them with financial assistance from the government if they’re income-eligible, will open October 1 as planned.

Our private exchange for individuals and small groups will launch in October.

URGENT CORRECTION

In last week’s flash, incorrect information was sent out regarding the broker summit. The 2013 Broker Summit is for Illinois brokers only, and registration is closed. The summit will take place on October 3 and 4, not October 2 and 3. We regret the error, and apologize for any confusion we have caused.

Getting Credit for Individual Sales

In the past, some of you placed an individual shopping link on your website that automatically connected you to an individual’s application if they applied for a individual plan. For 2014 enrollment, we will no longer have this link to provide you. You can still link to HealthAlliance.org, but to get credit for a sale, you’ll need to:

• Create a quote and send an email to your client, which is available today
• Have the applicant include your name on their application

We’ll dive into more detail at next week’s Broker Summit. Stay tuned.