In what ways are small employers not permitted to enroll in SHOP plans?

The correct response indicates that small employers are not permitted to enroll in SHOP plans via HealthCare.gov. This is important because the SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program) marketplace is specifically designed for small employers to provide health insurance to their employees, but it operates through state-specific channels rather than the general marketplace available on HealthCare.gov.

In many states, including Georgia, small employers must utilize specific state resources or the Georgia Access Consumer Portal to enroll their businesses in SHOP plans. These methods are tailored to meet the needs of small businesses and often involve different rules and processes than the individual marketplace designed for consumers.

Utilizing private brokers and employer-sponsored events are typical methods for enrolling in SHOP plans. Brokers can help navigate the complexities of plan choices, while events can be organized specifically for enrollment opportunities. The options to enroll through these pathways reflect the structured approach the SHOP marketplace provides to facilitate the coverage of small employers and their employees effectively.