CMS released a new proposal on May 15, which would transfer online enrollment for Federally-Facilitated Small Business Health Options Program plans from the HealthCare.gov exchange to insurers, agents or brokers by Jan. 1, 2018.
Here are three things to know.
1. SHOP marketplaces were created under the ACA and operate in 33 states, covering roughly 40,000 individuals.
2. CMS said the change "would reduce the federal government's role in healthcare coverage decisions" by shifting enrollment responsibility to insurers. The agency said employers would still get a determination of SHOP eligibility through the online marketplace, which assesses tax credits associated with the plans.
3. Small businesses with 2017 SHOP coverage would no longer be able to use HealthCare.gov for premium payment or enrollment after this plan year. CMS said tax credits associated with SHOP plans will still be available under the new enrollment proposal.