WASHINGTON – The Obama Administration has launched Business.USA.gov/healthcare, a one-stop-shop website to provide employers of all sizes educational materials on how the Affordable Care Act often dubbed “Obamacare” may affect businesses and help them compete.
The site includes a wizard tool that is tailored based on size and location, so businesses can learn how the law helps them provide affordable coverage options to their employees while still meeting their bottom line.
Officials say the site will act as a user-friendly hub that connects employers to informational content on tax credits and other provisions of the law from the Small Business Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury Department.
As part of the administration’s ongoing dialogue with leaders of the nation’s top businesses, the tool will aim to help ensure that employers of all sizes know what the Affordable Care Act means for them, and have the information they need to take advantage of the new benefits and opportunities under the law.
The administration will work with the employer community to ensure the site continues to be a helpful resource for businesses and their employees, including updating the site with additional, timely information.
“As the Affordable Care Act is implemented, it is so important for us to work with the business community and provide employers with the information they need,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker.
“The health care website on Business.USA.gov/healthcare will be a tremendous resource for self-employed Americans and businesses of all sizes to learn what the Affordable Care Act means for them.”
Many parts of the Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law in March, 2010, are already in effect, including new consumer protections, and improvements to health care coverage that ensure consumers get more value for their premium dollars, officials say.
“SBA South Florida District has spoken to dozens of small business owners about the law and what small business owners should be aware of,” said SBA South Florida District Director Francisco “Pancho” Marrero.
“This website is a great initiative for business owners. Our office is available to speak to groups of small business owners whether it be a chamber of commerce gathering or other civic gathering. It’s important for small business owners to understand how this law affects them and where to seek assistance.”
Additional benefits will take effect in late 2013 and beyond. Starting Oct. 1, individuals, including those who are self-employed, and small businesses looking for a better plan, will have a new way to shop for private health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) found at HealthCare.gov. Individuals may be eligible for lower costs on their monthly premiums and self-employed individuals and small businesses may be eligible for tax credits to help with the costs of coverage.
“The Affordable Care Act is providing better care and better choices for millions of Americans, and this is another great tool for employers to learn how they can offer health coverage that makes sense for their business and employees, and works for their bottom line,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
No Comment