b'BUSINESS affordable, group-discounted rates. SHOP around Campbell Petrie stated, Our sole mission is to help our clients attain Businessesfacemanychoic- the best possible employee benefit eswhensearchingforattractiveproducts that balance features and healthinsurancecoverage.Whilebudget so employers can stay com-the accompanying article describespetitive in their industry by attract-many of the available plans, employ- ingtoptalent,andsoemployees ers with fewer than 50 full-time work- receive the package they deserve.ersshouldalsoasktheirbrokersTheconvenientweb-basedBEN about policies offered by The SmallportalenablesNTCAmembersto BusinessHealthOptionsProgramshop for benefits at work or home (SHOP), an entity sponsored by the24/7,getproductinformationand Affordable Care Act.SHOP allows smaller businesses torates, complete applications, obtain get the pricing only larger employ- binding coverage, access ID cards, ersenjoyedbefore,saidStevenmake payments and more. Eastaugh, a Washington, D.C.,- man- The unique feature of this plan is agement consultant. You can enrollthat each member or group apply-inSHOP,andaddnewemployees,ingisevaluatedindividually,not any time of the year. grouped together with other mem-Tax credits are available for SHOPbers who may have a history of high participantswithfewerthan25fullmedical expenses. time employees, with average annu- NTCAExecutiveDirectorBart al wages of less than $50,000. Bettigasaid,Ifyouhaveagood Moreinformationisavailableat:record, you will not be penalized, https://www.healthcare.gov/small- andcangetgreatratesforhealth businesses/employers/ insurance.Thisisespeciallyuse-Consultants also suggest carefullyful for individuals or a small shop comparingpricesofavailablepri- under five people looking for health vatehealthinsuranceexchangesinsurance.Anditoffersagood that have sprung up in many states.selectionofdisabilitybenefits,or Theseareoftensetupbyinsurers, brokers or consulting firms.supplementalprogramsandlife-Theprivateexchangesaremoststyle products for larger companies. attractivetoemployerswhowantRatesaremuchbetterthanwhat toreduceinternaladministrativecouldbeobtainedontheopen hassles. Thats because they usuallyexchange.maintain technology platforms thatThe positive user experience con-can provide a combined interfacetinuesafterpurchasewithA-rated forreporting,billing,COBRA,andcarriers such as Cigna, MetLife and employee plan evaluation. Chubb, providing excellent custom-er service. 40TileLetter | April 2020'