On average, small businesses pay about 18% more than large firms for the same health
insurance policy. Additionally, for years, small business owners in Illinois have
struggled with unpredictable and unreasonable premium increases.
In 2011, up to 194,000 small businesses in Illinois may be eligible for tax credits
through the Affordable Care Act, making it easier for them to provide employer-sponsored
coverage (click here to watch a video from the Small Business Majority explaining these tax credits).
In 2014, a new health care marketplace will ensure Illinois small businesses have
quality, affordable health care
coverage options.
Illinois Health Matters will help you and your business be prepared for—and understand
the implications of—the changes to come.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Q I’ve heard that Illinois will be getting a “Health Insurance Exchange.” Will there be anyone to help me purchase insurance for my small business via this exchange?
A If all goes according to the plan in the Affordable Care Act, Illinois will have a health insurance exchange up and running by October 1, 2013. Federal law requires the exchange to establish “Navigators,” who will help guide small businesses eligible for the exchange through the insurance-purchasing process.
Navigators will assist people in learning about insurance options and any tax credits that a customer may be eligible for, as well as enrolling in a plan. They will also be responsible to refer those who have problems with their plans or other elements of the exchange to the agency that can assist them with that problem.
Navigators will be required to provide information in a way that is fair and impartial, in order to help consumers to choose the insurance plan that best fits their needs. In Illinois, approximately 1.5 million people will be eligible to obtain health coverage through the exchange. Navigators are required to serve all facets of that diverse population adequately, including those with low income, single parents, homeless, those with HIV/AIDS or other chronic health conditions, currently or formerly incarcerated people, and immigrants. Navigators will also be able to determine if a person using the exchange is eligible for public benefits, such as Medicaid or Medicare.
The Navigator role will be filled by people from a wide array of organizations, such as community and consumer-focused non-profit groups; trade, industry and professional associations; chambers of commerce; unions; partners of the Small Business Administration and licensed insurance agents and brokers.
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Q&As
Do you have questions about issues like the cost of health care reform to businesses
or employer-sponsored coverage? Learn from the experiences of others—or, submit
your question here.
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES
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