HHS delaying implementation of small business insurance exchanges

HHS proposed delaying until 2015 from Jan. 1, 2014 the implementation of a requirement under the Affordable Care Act that state small business insurance exchanges provide workers with a choice of health insurance plans. Under a proposed rule, small businesses will choose one plan in 2014 from a state Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) -- an exchange with a range of insurance plans intended to give small businesses the purchasing power of a large employer. Employees will be able to choose from all of the plans in the small business marketplace starting Jan. 1, 2015, according to a CMS spokesperson. ...