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

Learn more about SHOP and other ways to offer health insurance to your employees

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.