| The New Year is coming, and January 1 is an important date for many small businesses and non-profit organizations looking for Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) coverage. If you are looking to start your coverage on January 1, 2018, there are some important changes for SHOP insurance plansthat you should be aware of:
- Instead of using HealthCare.gov to enroll in SHOP coverage, you will enroll by working with a SHOP-registered agent or broker or an insurance company. The enrollment process may vary by insurance company, so contact your agent, broker, or insurance company if you have questions.
- If youre enrolling your small business in SHOP insurance for the first time or your have experienced a gap in SHOP coverage, youll use theSHOPEligibility Determination Formto verify your eligibility.
Youll also work with your agent, broker, or insurance company to pay your premiums and manage coverage you wont make payments through HealthCare.gov. IMPORTANT:If you sign upby December 15, you will not have to meet aminimum participation raterequirementto enroll and yourcoverage will start on January 1. | 
