Total Benefit Solutions with Empower me Benefits

For 2015, the Small business Health Options Program (SHOP) platform manages more processes and information. As a result, the involvement of insurance carriers has been reduced. Understanding how it will work this year will help you work with employers to decide if they should purchase coverage through SHOP or directly from Independence Blue Cross (Independence). Like last year, groups may still only offer one plan option to all employees.

However, the application and setup processes are now managed entirely through SHOP instead of by insurance carriers. This means certain Independence benefits are no longer available. Independence will continue to provide member identification cards, process member claims, and provide member services to answer questions.

Click the link below to download an FAQ document about SHOP updates for 2015 from Independence Blue Cross. As always, contact your Total Benefit Solutions account manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions or concerns about the Affordable Care Act SHOP including eligibility, restrictions, tax credits and enrollments.

SHOP for Small Groups Flyer (2015)