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 focus on solving the biggest problems facing America's 28 million small businesses today. Since 2005, we have actively engaged small business owners and policymakers in support of public policy solutions, and have delivered information and resources to entrepreneurs that promote small business growth and drive a strong, sustainable economy. We are a team of more than 30 working from our 11 offices in Washington, D.C. and 9 states, with a network of more than 45,000 small business owners and more than 2,000 business organizations, along with a formal strategic partnership program of more than 125 business organizations, enabling us to reach more than 500,000 entrepreneurs. Our extensive scientific polling, focus groups and economic research help us educate and inform policymakers, the media and other stakeholders about issues including taxes, healthcare, access to capital, entrepreneurship, workforce development, clean energy and immigration. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.