National Association for the Self-Employed Releases "The More You Know Infographic" About America’s New Health Care Exchanges

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Association Works to Prepare America’s 23 Million Small Businesses on Federal and State Exchanges Opening October 1^st

WASHINGTON, DC – With under two weeks until the open enrollment period for our nation’s new health care system begins October 1st, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released a new infographic, “The More You Know,” to help prepare America’s 23 million small business. The new infographic offers topline advice for America’s 23 million self-employed and micro-businesses as they prepare for the opening of the federal and state health care Exchanges. The NASE has been supporting the small business communities around the country become better informed about how to approach the upcoming open enrollment period.

(click here or above to be directed to an online version of the infographic)

“Millions of Americans are bracing for the open enrollment period for our nation’s new health care system, and the same goes for countless of America’s smallest businesses, including self-employed and micro-businesses,” said Katie Vlietstra, NASE’s Director of Government Affairs. “With limited and incomplete information available about costs, the small business community must be prepared on day one to make the most informed choice for their business and their family.  While many small businesses will secure better, more comprehensive health care coverage, it is likely to come at a significantly higher cost.”

The NASE today also launched a national survey of its membership about their feelings about the new health care system, preferences in health care options, and approach to the October 1^st enrollment date. The survey findings will be released at the end of the month.

In July, the NASE released its Affordable Care Act in Brief, which highlights how the new health care law will impact 23 million self-employed and micro-businesses nationwide. It outlines the pros and cons of health care coverage small businesses must consider while underlining the lack of information in the public domain about the health care law, the Exchanges and details of enrollment requirements. A keystone of the ACA is the requirement that new health marketplaces, known as an Exchange, be set up in every state to offer health coverage options to individuals, families and small businesses to meet this new health coverage requirement.  The Exchanges will be offered and operated either by a state, a partnership between the state and the Federal Government, or just the Federal Government for those in states who have opted out and will default to the Federal Exchange.

Beginning on January 14, 2014, Americans will be required to purchase health care coverage or pay a penalty. Enrollment in the Exchanges will open on October 1, 2013.  In addition to the NASE’s small business health resource center, the government recently re-launched a new website portal for the public to learn more about the new health care law and it’s Exchanges: www.HealthCare.gov.

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The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, bringing a broad range of benefits to help entrepreneurs succeed and to drive the continued growth of this vital segment of the American economy. The NASE Small Business Locator helps identify and connect our nation’s smallest businesses. The NASE is a 501(c) (6) nonprofit organization and provides big-business advantages to hundreds of thousands of micro-businesses across the United States. For more information, visit the association's website at NASE.org