Health Insurance Marketplaces Still Crucial for Entrepreneurs, Despite Month Delay in Ability to Enroll Online

Statement by John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO of Small Business Majority, on the announcement today that online enrollment for small business exchanges in some states will be delayed a month

The announcement today that the ability for small businesses to enroll online in some small business health insurance marketplaces is delayed for a month is disappointing, but doesn’t change the fact that these exchanges will still be open for business on October 1 and coverage will begin as scheduled on Jan. 1, 2014.

Small business owners will be able to enroll online in November. A short delay in the online enrollment capability of the marketplace doesn’t diminish the positive impact the exchanges will have on small businesses looking for comprehensive and affordable health coverage.

Health insurance marketplaces remain the most important component of the healthcare law for small businesses. For the first time ever, they’ll be able to pool their purchasing power with other small businesses, giving them the kind of clout large businesses currently enjoy.

Small businesses have been waiting for decades for something to help bring down their costs. Exchanges have the ability to do that. We should continue educating small business owners about these marketplaces so they can reap the full benefits of the law once coverage begins January 1. The more entrepreneurs know about the provisions in the law, the more they can benefit from them.

About Small Business Majority
Small Business Majority is a national small business advocacy organization, founded and run by small business owners, to support America’s 28 million small businesses. We conduct extensive opinion and economic research and work with our rapidly growing network of small business owners across the country to ensure their voices are an integral part of the public policy debate. Learn more about us on Wikipedia and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.