I got a call from my insurance agent a couple of weeks ago. I have coverage for myself and my employees and I pay 100% of the premiums.  My agent told me that our premiums were going up (again) by about 12%. 

I checked the rates on healthcare.gov and the sample rates they provide for comparison purposes look about the same as what I have been paying the past year, and the coverage is better.  I can't be certain that our rates will be the same as the sample rates, but I'm looking forward to finding out.

The SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program) isn't fully operational yet - looks like they expect it to be working within a couple of weeks.

My agent told me that I would not be able to get insurance through the SHOP until 2015, but that doesn't seem to be correct.  Also, the last time I checked the Tax Code, the tax credit for small businesses that provide health care to their employees only applied if you purchased coverage through the SHOP.  And, the tax credit was up to 50% (dollar for dollar).  My agent told me that the plan she was selling qualified for the credit, too (I don't think that was right either). 

So... better coverage... rates about the same AND up to a 50% tax credit... Sounds pretty good to me.  I'll let you know when I'm able to get an official quote.

Best,
Robert A. Franco
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