Enrolling your small business for January 1st just got easier.

Good news!

Earlier this year the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued new rules for the Small Business market. A specific provision, 45 CFR Section 155.410, adds a new requirement that carriers must accept all small business customers, even if they don't meet minimum participation or contribution requirements, during an annual open enrollment period from November 15 through December 15, for a January 1 effective date.

Normally the participation requirement is 70% of all full time employees, and the contribution minimum is 50% of the premium. For example, there could be 10 full time employees, but only 5 enroll and the employer only wants to contribute $10 - NOW THAT IS ALLOWED. This is right around the corner, you may have a small business that will benefit, but, there's only a short period of time to enroll.
 
Here's how it works:

• From November 1 through December 31, 2013 your small business can purchase small business medical plans without participation or contribution requirements for a January 1, 2014 effective date.