On June 4, 2013, CMS published a final rule that builds on and revises previously-adopted regulations on the administration of the ACA's Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), which will help small employers offer employees a variety of qualified health plans (QHPs). Specifically, the rule adds changes in eligibility for state premium assistance under Medicaid or CHIP to the list of triggering events that create a special SHOP enrollment period for qualified employees and/or their eligible dependents. In addition, the rule amends the duration of certain special enrollment periods for the SHOP to 30 days for most applicable triggering events. CMS also has finalized its proposal that SHOPs would not be required to provide an employee choice model in 2014; SHOPs must provide qualified employers the option to offer qualified employees a choice of any QHP at a single "metal level" starting with plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2015.
This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
