In the context of SHOP, what does FTE stand for?

In the context of the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), FTE stands for Full-Time Employees. This term is essential in defining which businesses qualify for certain programs, tax credits, and health insurance coverage options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Full-Time Employees are generally defined as those who work, on average, at least 30 hours per week. Understanding this definition is crucial for businesses looking to participate in the SHOP marketplace because it determines eligibility for various benefits and regulatory compliance. Businesses must assess their workforce to accurately identify how many Full-Time Employees they have, as this can impact the options available to them for purchasing health insurance, as well as their obligations towards employee coverage.

The other options, while related to employment and business structure, do not accurately represent the industry-standard terminology utilized in discussions about health insurance and employee classification within the context of SHOP.