Employers
The Small Business Marketplace (SHOP) helps employers offer high quality, affordable health insurance coverage to employees directly from NY State of Health certified Insurers. The Small Business Marketplace (SHOP) is the only place where employers can take advantage of the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, if eligible.
You can view and compare all SHOP certified plans and premiums online, and instantly receive a small group eligibility determination.
To be eligible for the Small Business Marketplace (SHOP), your business or non-profit organization must:
- Have a physical business location in New York State
- Have between 1 and 100 FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) employees
- Offer, or intend to offer coverage to all full-time employees
If you are a small employer, there is a tax credit that can put money in your pocket. The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit benefits employers that:
- Have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees
- Pay average wages of less than $62,000 a year for the 2023 tax year per FTE employee
- Pay at least 50% towards available lowest cost individual medical coverage
- Offer SHOP coverage to all full-time employees working at least 30 hours per week
More information on the Small Business Tax Credit is available from the IRS.
Get Started
Create Employer Account
Register as an employer. Once you provide an email address and some basic information about yourself, you will get an email invitation to the Marketplace site.
Enter Company Information
After logging in with your new account, you will be asked to enter basic contact and company information in order to receive a Small Business Marketplace (SHOP) eligibility determination.
Get Help Choosing a Health Plan
Browse and select the SHOP certified health plan(s) you are interested in. To enroll you can contact the health insurers directly or get assistance from a NY State of Health certified Broker or Navigator.
Overview
At NY State of Health, small business employers can compare health plans from SHOP certified insurers online and receive a small group eligibility determination. The Small Business Marketplace (SHOP) is the only place where you can take advantage of the Small Business Health Care tax credit, if you are eligible.
Who can participate in the SHOP Marketplace?
To be eligible for the Small Business Marketplace (SHOP), your business or non-profit organization must:
- Have a physical business location in New York State
- Have between 1 and 100 FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) employees
- Offer, or intend to offer coverage to all full-time employees
Who is eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit?
If you are a small business employer, the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit can put money in your pocket. The tax credit benefits employers who:
- If you are a small business employer, the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit can put money in your pocket. The tax credit benefits employers who:
- Pay average wages of less than $62,000 a year for the 2023 tax year per FTE employee
- Pay at least 50% towards your employee's available lowest cost individual medical coverage
- Offer coverage to all full-time employees working at least 30 hours per week
- Enroll in SHOP-certified plan(s)
Calculate your estimated tax credit
What you will need
Gather Information: To complete your eligibility determination, gather basic business information including business name, employer identification number (EIN), address, phone number, and email address.
Need help?
Receive information and enrollment assistance from trained, certified Brokers and Navigators. Small Business Marketplace Customer Service is also available during extended hours and in multiple languages. Click here to get assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know if my small business is eligible for the Small Business Marketplace (SHOP)?
To be eligible for the Small Business Marketplace (SHOP), your business or non-profit organization must:
- Have a physical business location in New York State
- Have between 1 and 100 FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) employees
- Offer, or intend to offer coverage to all full-time employees
How will I know if my small business is eligible for tax credits?
To be eligible for a small business tax credit of up to 50% premium reimbursement (35% for non-profits), your business or non-profit organization must:
- Have fewer than 25 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employees
- Provide an offer of health insurance to all full-time employees working at least 30 hours per week
- Contribute at least 50% towards employee's available lowest cost individual medical coverage
- Pay an average annual wage of less than $62,000 a year for the 2023 tax year
Also employers must obtain a favorable eligibility determination from NY State of Health Small Business Marketplace (SHOP) and purchase SHOP-certified plans directly through participating insurers.
More questions and answers regarding the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit are available from the IRS.
How will the Small Business Marketplace benefit my business?
Enrolling in a SHOP certified health plan is the only way for an eligible New York small business or non-profit to claim the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
The Small Business Marketplace is an online portal where you can view and compare a variety of SHOP certified health plan options in your area.
I am a small business owner. How can I get assistance to find the right health plan in the marketplace for my employees?
Brokers and Navigators are available to help small businesses make decisions about health insurance. Information about how to contact these assistors is available here.
Where can I look at plans and rates?
You can view and compare available SHOP certified plans and prices using our online tool. To view SHOP certified plans and prices, click here.
How can I verify my SHOP eligibility?
If you are participating in the Small Business Marketplace (SHOP) for the first time, you will need to fill out a one-page eligibility form online. If your business meets all the requirements to enroll in SHOP, you will receive a favorable eligibility determination letter from NY State of Health Small Business Marketplace. Keep this letter with your business records; this letter is needed to apply for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
To verify your eligibility and receive an eligibility determination from SHOP click here.
How can I renew my SHOP eligibility?
If you are renewing existing SHOP eligibility and nothing has changed, you will not need to re-verify your eligibility. SHOP will automatically generate an eligibility determination letter when your existing eligibility is set to expire.
How do I enroll my business?
After obtaining your eligibility determination letter, click the ?Get Started? button to see all SHOP certified insurers and their plans. Once you have picked your SHOP certified plan(s) you will work directly with the SHOP certified health insurers or your SHOP certified Broker or Navigator to make an offer to your employees.
Where can I find legacy enrollment data for old employees?
Contact customer service at 1.888.355-5777 to obtain legacy enrollment data.
News & Updates
Getting Assistance
There are people in your community who are trained to help small businesses and their employees find the best possible health care plan(s) for their employee needs.
You can get help with your Eligibility Determination from:
- Certified Brokers
- Navigators
Broker
Certified Brokers are licensed professionals that have been certified by NY State of Health to provide eligibility and enrollment assistance to individuals and small businesses about the health insurance options available through the Marketplace. Brokers provide free assistance applying for coverage, enrolling in a plan directly with health insurers, and plan maintenance throughout the year. Click here to find a broker who is suited specifically to your business needs.
Navigator
Navigators are certified and trained to educate and provide assistance to individuals and small businesses about the health insurance options available through the Marketplace. Navigators can assist individuals and families, as well as small businesses and their employees. They speak over 40 different languages and are available weekdays, evenings, and even on weekends. Navigators are available in convenient community-based locations in every county and all help is free. Click here to find a Navigator in your community.
Authorized Representative
You may have a trusted friend, relative, partner, or lawyer help you and act for you on matters related to your application. This person is called an authorized representative. You need to give permission to the Marketplace to speak with your authorized representative. Click here for information on how to name someone as your authorized representative and to download the Authorized Representative Designation Form.
Contact Insurance Carriers Directly
Download Contact Information for SHOP-Certified Insurance Carriers