As a small business owner, am I required to offer health insurance to my employees?

If your business qualifies as small (fewer than 50 full-time employees and full-time equivalents FTEs), you are not required to offer coverage.

If you’re self-employed, you can sign up for coverage for yourself (and family members) through the Health Insurance Marketplace®.

Small business owners who want to offer health insurance coverage have options such as:

• Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)
• Health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs)
• Health Savings Accounts and health plans with tax-saving benefits

Have questions about SHOP coverage for businesses with 50 or fewer employees? Contact the SHOP Call Center at 1-800-706-7893 (TTY users can call 1-888-201-6445).

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

Note: Businesses with over 50 employees may have to make what’s called a Shared Responsibility Payment. This payment may be required if they do not offer coverage that meets certain standards.