The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, partnering with the Arkansas Health Connector is offering free 2 hour training seminars across the state on the Affordable Care Act for Small Businesses. As a small business owner, learn what you need to know to successfully Navigate the Affordable Care Act at any of these free, 2 hour workshops. The seminars are free but must re-register. Additional information and registration process in the flyer

1. Upcoming
Training
October
2 • Arkadelphia
15 • Little Rock
November
5 • Little Rock
11 • Helena
12 • Helena
12 • Crossett
18 • Yellville
19 • Nashville
21 • Jonesboro
22 • Fayetteville
December
3 • El Dorado
4 • Batesville
10 • Warren
12 • Jonesboro
asbtdc.org/aca
@ mjomell@ualr.edu
No charge to attend.
Pre-registration required.
501.683.7700

2. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA)
 Individual Mandate – Health insurance coverage required for all citizens and residents.
 Employer Mandate – Businesses with 50 or more full time equivalent (FTE) employees are required to
provide health insurance.
 Essential Health Benefits (EHB) – All insurance plans must meet minimum requirements and offer EHB.
 Health Insurance Marketplace – The marketplace, or exchange, is where consumers and business owners
can shop for and purchase coverage. The Arkansas Health Connector (arhealthconnector.org) serves as
Arkansas’ portal to the marketplace for individuals and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP).
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At least 2 plans offered in each county in Arkansas.
Marketplace is for individuals and self-employed.
SHOP is for businesses with 2-50 FTE (2014) and 2-100 FTE (2015).
Enrollment begins Oct. 1, 2013, for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2014.
What This Means to You

All Businesses
 All businesses are subject to reporting and notification requirements, effective Oct. 1, 2013.

All Businesses with 50 or More Employees
 Businesses with 50 or more FTE must offer coverage to all full-time employees starting Jan. 1, 2015.
Neglecting to do so may result in a $2,000 penalty multiplied by each FTE.
 Coverage must be “affordable” (less than 9% of an employee’s income) and offered to at least 95% of
employees. Penalties for non-compliance will be $3,000 multiplied by each full-time employee receiving
financial assistance in the individual marketplace.

All Businesses Offering Coverage
 Businesses with fewer than 50 full FTE are not required to offer coverage. However, businesses choosing
to offer coverage may qualify for tax incentives through SHOP.
 Businesses that offer coverage to employees are subject to additional requirements such as distribution
of Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) disclosures, health insurance coverage reporting on W-2,
90-day maximum waiting period, and more.
 Businesses that offer coverage to employees may be eligible for incentives:
• Businesses with 2-24 FTE may be eligible for financial assistance if offering coverage through SHOP.
• All businesses offering coverage may be eligible for rebates and/or workplace wellness rewards.

3. 
Individuals & Self-Employed
 Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, all individuals must possess health insurance or qualify for an exemption.
Individuals choosing not to carry insurance are subject to a penalty of $95 each year, or 1% of household
income, whichever is greater.
 Individuals and sole proprietors who purchase coverage will use the individual marketplace.
 Financial assistance may be available to those who qualify.
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Employees
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Employees will have access to insurance that previously may have been unaffordable.
Employees can compare the Health Insurance Marketplace rates to those offered by their employers.
Dependents of employees may continue coverage until age 26.
Employers will not be required to offer coverage to spouses of employees.
Small Business Affordable Care Action Checklist

Distribute Fair Labor Standards Act Employee Notification (dol.gov/ebsa/healthreform).
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Begin informing employees immediately of coverage offerings.
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Create an employee list and calculate your number of full time equivalent (FTE) employees.
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Visit the Arkansas Health Connector website, arhealthconnector.org.
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If considering offering coverage, fill out a SHOP application and review your plan choices.
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Contact your accountant and/or your employment attorney to ensure your compliance.
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Prepare for 2015 requirements.
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Attend ASBTDC’s full seminar on Navigating the Affordable Care Act. To
register or learn more, see asbtdc.org/aca, call 800.862.2040, or scan this
QR code with your mobile device.
For additional assistance, contact the SHOP Help Line: 800.706.7839