Your current SHOP health insurance plan won’t renew automatically for 2018. There are 2 new ways to renew that may be different from the method you’ve used in the past:
Note: The renewal process for SHOP coverage has changed for plans starting on or after January 1, 2018. You can no longer renew or change your SHOP coverage through HealthCare.gov. Don’t log in to your HealthCare.gov account to select plan options, update coverage information, or pay premiums.
Before your current SHOP coverage ends, contact your insurance company, agent, or broker to see what plans and prices are available to you. Plan and pricing information is generally available 45–60 days before your renewal date.
Insurance companies may have different timelines for renewing coverage. When you contact them, be sure to ask:
While you won't renew through HealthCare.gov, the website still offers informational tools and resources to help you renew. HealthCare.gov allows you to:
You may need to prove your eligibility for SHOP coverage through the new SHOP Eligibility Determination Form. This form only takes a few minutes to fill out, and you’ll get an instant determination. Just enter some basic information about your business, certify that you meet certain eligibility requirements, review your form, and submit.
Save your eligibility determination results for your records. Proof of SHOP eligibility may be required to enroll in SHOP coverage through an insurance company or to claim the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
Learn more about qualifying for SHOP insurance.
Find a SHOP-registered agent or broker who can help you enroll. You can also enroll directly through your health and/or dental insurance company.
Work with your agent, broker, or health insurance company — not HealthCare.gov — to make payments.
Payment deadlines for renewing coverage may vary depending on your insurance company. Check with your agent, broker, or health insurance company for important payment deadlines.
You may still be able to enroll in a small group health plan through an agent or broker or directly with a health insurance company. However, it may not be considered SHOP coverage, and you may not be able to claim the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. See what non-SHOP plans may be available to you at finder.healthcare.gov, or search for an agent or broker in your area.