- Who can participate in the Small Business 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
- How can I verify my Small Business Marketplace 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 request form online. If your business meets all the requirements to enroll in SHOP, you will receive a favorable eligibility determination letter from the 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, get started at nystateofhealth.ny.gov/employer.
- How can I renew my SHOP eligibility?
If you are renewing and nothing has changed, you will not need to re-verify your eligibility. SHOP will automatically process your renewal and generate a new eligibility determination letter when your existing eligibility is set to expire.
- 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.
- How can I get help in choosing the right health plan for my business?
You can get help in person or over the phone. You can receive Small Business enrollment assistance from a SHOP certified Broker, by using the search tool on this page or by calling 1-855-355-5777.
- 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 available plans. Once you have picked your SHOP certified plan(s) you will work directly with SHOP Certified health insurers or your SHOP Certified Broker to make an offer to your employees.
- Do I have to contribute to employees' health insurance if I offer coverage through the Marketplace?
No. There is no minimum amount you must contribute toward your employees' health insurance at NY State of Health.
- Where can I find information about different health insurance plans and cost?
You can view and compare available SHOP certified plans and prices using our online tool. To view SHOP certified plans and prices, click here.
- Can I choose when my employees' insurance coverage takes effect?
Yes. The coverage effective date can be the first day of any month.
- 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:
Pay average wages of less than $65,000 a year for the 2024 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
Obtain a favorable eligibility determination from NY State of Health’s Small Business Marketplace (SHOP)
Enroll in SHOP-certified plan(s)
- How will I know if my 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 a week
Contribute at least 50% towards employee’s available lowest cost individual medical coverage
Pay an average annual wage of less than $65,000 a year for the 2024 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.
- When enrolling through the website, can I save my application and come back later?
Yes. The website lets you fill out part of the form and then save it. You can come back later if you are not able to complete the form in one sitting.