Small Business Majority Offers Tools for Understanding Health Care Reform

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This month, the Small Business Majority (SBM) announced initiatives to help small businesses navigate and make the most of the Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law in 2010.

In early July, SBM launched an online resource that gives small business owners key details regarding the new health care reform law. And this week, it announced a schedule of webinars in partnership with the Small Business Administration.

SBM’s new online Health Coverage Guide provides small businesses with objective, step-by-step information on how to navigate the health care market. On October 1, 2013, open enrollment for state health insurance marketplaces is set to begin, and most of the new health care law’s provisions — including that everyone have insurance — go into effect in January 2014.

The Coverage Guide explains the terminology, laws, and options of the health insurance market and will help small business owners determine if offering insurance to their employees is financially feasible.

“As the Affordable Care Act continues bringing changes to our nation’s health care system, it's essential to disseminate clear, objective information not only about the new law but about the system in general to help small business owners understand their coverage options," said Small Business Majority CEO John Arensmeyer.

The Affordable Care Act-101 webinar series presented by SBM and SBA focuses on both federal and state provisions to help local small business owners understand how the law will affect them. Topics discussed in the first webinar include small business tax credits (available to businesses and tax-exempt nonprofits) — who’s eligible for them and how to claim them; marketplace updates; shared responsibility; cost containment; and tools and resources available for small businesses interested in learning more about the law. A question and answer period will follow.

The first ACA-101 webinar is being presented on the following dates: