HealthCoverageGuide.org was created to provide independent, unbiased information to small business owners in California. It is not affiliated with any insurance company, nor does it recommend any specific company or policies.

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Who is Small Business Majority?

Small Business Majority is a California-based national nonpartisan small business advocacy group founded and run by small business owners to focus on solving some of the biggest problems facing small businesses today. A major area of concentration has been, and will continue to be, access to quality affordable healthcare for small business owners and their employees.

Why is Small Business Majority sponsoring HealthCoverageGuide.org?

Research shows that companies with 50 or fewer employees are less likely than larger businesses to provide health benefits. Small firms that don’t offer coverage aren’t always well informed about market rules and options, although they report a serious interest in obtaining information that is objective and easy to use. HealthCoverageGuide.org provides small businesses with information they need to determine if health insurance is right for their situation, and, if so, how to learn about health coverage options. The need for this type of information is even more important, with the passage of the recent national healthcare reform legislation.

What will visitors find on the site?

Site visitors will find unbiased information about health coverage for business owners and employees, including a step-by-step guide that shows how to purchase health coverage, issues to consider in assessing health insurance plans, including costs, and links to additional resources. Visitors will also find information about the new national healthcare law, California’s implementation of the law and the myriad opportunities provided by the law now and when it is fully implemented in 2014.

What do we hope to accomplish with the site?

We hope that by giving small business owners a place to go for information on health insurance and the tools to help them assess costs and options, many small businesses in California will be able to make confident, informed decisions about health insurance and will seriously consider providing benefits to their workers. We also hope to demystify some of the current and future changes to health coverage opportunities for small businesses related to the new national healthcare law.

What can businesses do with this information?

After visiting the site, small business owners will be better equipped to decide if a group health insurance plan can work for their business. If they are ready to arrange for coverage, the site provides tools and resources that will help them move quickly and smoothly through the process of obtaining and administering coverage. Resources on the site will help small businesses connect with advisers and offer information about alternatives to group health insurance coverage.

What is the California HealthCare Foundation’s Role in this site?

The California HealthCare Foundation created and launched the original HealthCoverageGuide.org site in 2003 as a way to provide small business owners with unbiased and helpful information about coverage. The Foundation turned responsibility for the site over to Small Business Majority in 2011.

How often will the site be updated?

The site will be regularly updated to reflect policy and market changes, including all reforms included in the national Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed into law in March 2010. Site visitors can register to be notified of updates by email if they choose.