SHOP / SMALL BUSINESS TAX CREDIT

What is SHOP?

The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) is for small employers who want to provide health and/or dental insurance to their employees. Employers can begin offering SHOP plans at any time of the year.

To qualify for SHOP, your business or non-profit organization must meet four requirements:

    1. Have 1-50 full-time equivalent employees
    2. Offer coverage to all full-time employees. You can offer coverage to part-time employees if you choose
    3. Enroll at least 70% of the employees you offer insurance to
    4. Have your office or employee work site located within Idaho

    For additional information and details, click here.

    SHOP and Your Health Idaho

    To participate in the SHOP program, you must complete an application with Your Health Idaho. We will assign your business a SHOP number after the application review.

    With your SHOP number, you will enroll directly with the health insurance company of your choice, rather than through our website. We recommend that you work with a Your Health Idaho-certified agent or broker for assistance with the SHOP enrollment process.

     

    Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

    You may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit if:

        • You have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
        • Your average employee salary is about $56,000 per year or less
        • You pay at least 50% of your full-time employees’ premium costs
        • You offer SHOP coverage to all your full-time employees

    To find out if you may qualify, use the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Estimator here

    For more information about the Small Business Tax Credit, visit the IRS website or speak with a tax professional.

    How to apply and enroll in SHOP

    Click here to download the Shop Application.

    1. Complete and email your application to SHOP@yourhealthidaho.org with “SHOP request” in the subject line

    OR

    Mail the completed form to:

    Your Health Idaho
    P.O. Box 50143
    Boise ID, 83705

      1. Receive your SHOP ID number from Your Health Idaho
      2. Shop and enroll in a plan directly with a participating insurance company
      3. Use your SHOP ID and plan information to claim the Small Business Health Care tax credit by filing Form 8941 with the IRS

    Note: Business owners with no employees can enroll individuals and dependents in a health plan and apply for a tax credit through Your Health Idaho. Learn more about coverage options for self-employed individuals here.