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SHOP Recommendation. Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Board Meeting January 26, 2014 Carolyn A. Quattrocki Interim Executive Director,. April 1, 2015 Launch of SHOP Plans. Recommendation
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SHOP Recommendation Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Board Meeting January 26, 2014 Carolyn A. Quattrocki Interim Executive Director,
April 1, 2015 Launch of SHOP Plans Recommendation • Make available to eligible small businesses , beginning April 1, small group health insurance plans certified by the SHOP Exchange, and thereby enable access to federal tax credits available for SHOP-certified plans. • Align with federal government’s timeline by waiting to launch SHOP website until January 1, 2015; • Under proposal, SHOP-certified plans, along with access to tax credits up to 50% of employer’s contribution toward employee premiums (or up to 35% for tax-exempt employers), will be available directly through carriers, third party administrators, and brokers beginning April 1, 2014; • Working to determine respective functions of MHBE, carriers, TPAs and brokers in determining small employer eligibility and participation requirements; • MHBE will report data monthly to IRS to enable access to tax credits. • Beginning first of next year, employers will also be able to offer employees these plans through the SHOP website.
January 1, 2015 SHOP Website Launch Reasons for Proposed 1/1/15 Website Launch • Brings State’s timeline more in line with federal timetable; • Allows MHBE to focus on open enrollment and securing coverage for as many Marylanders as possible by 3/31; • Allows MHBE to focus on completing architectural fixes for stabilization of system and putting in place other critical functionality that has been deferred; • Reduces overall risk for SHOP implementation by supporting realistic schedule.