Navigating the Affordable Care Act as a small business owner
(Watch the accompanying segment with Gery L. Deer on WDTN-TV2’s Living Dayton program, “All Politics Aside” – http://www.wdtn.com/living-dayton/all-politics-aside)
If you’re an independent business person (self-employed, small business owner), you probably have many questions about how the new health care laws will apply to you. Here are a few resources that may help – and without the political spin.
First, if you work alone, chances are you don’t have workers compensation insurance. This is all-too common a problem and it’s a mistake made by millions of people who work independently with no employees. Protect yourself from the perils of work-related illness by investing in a workers compensation policy.
If you have employees, you are required by law to carry workers compensation coverage, but there is no such regulation for you as an individual. Regardless of your particular occupation, workers compensation can help protect you in the event of an unfortunate work-related injury or illness.
For those who are self-employed, with no employees, you are not considered employers. Simply use the Health Insurance Marketplace to find coverage to meet individual needs.
No employer is required to provide health insurance for workers. However, some larger companies (50 or more employees) may be required to pay into the Employer Shared Responsibility program, intended to offset the costs of those without coverage. Many provisions regarding large company mandates do not take effect until 2015. For more information on this issue, please consult the Small Business Association or contact your tax professional for details.
Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Calendar
Open Enrollment began October 1, 2013
Coverage can take effect on January 1, 2014
Open Enrollment Closes March 31, 2014
Affordable Care Act Information and Sign-up – go to the website and click on “Small Business” – http://www.healthcare.gov
Small Business Association – Information for employers with 50 or more workers: http://www.sba.gov/content/employers-with-50-or-more-employees
Local, Individual Health Insurance Information:
Kathy Smith, Senior Insurance Advisors
Email: ksmith_insurance@yahoo.com
Phone: (Office) 937-732-8600 (Cell) 937-371-8677
Workers Compensation Information:
Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation –https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/employer/forms/coverage/default.aspx
Matulka Insurance Agency
2262 County Line Rd. Beavercreek, OH 45430
Phone: (937) 871-0011
Online: www.matulkainsurance.com
Workers Compensation Legal Issues:
Gibson Law Offices
Attorney Joseph E. Gibson
545 Helke Rd. Vandalia, Ohio 45377
Phone: (937) 264-1122
Online: www.gibsonlawofficesohio.com
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