The Health Care Authority (HCA) is gathering input from small business employers (5 – 50 employees) throughout Washington State to help guide the development of the new health insurance marketplace launching in 2014, currently called the Health Benefit Exchange, or the Exchange. The input will be gathered through a small employer survey that is open until November 10.  Focus groups for small business employers will also be held in Seattle on November 14.

The Exchange will provide a consumer-friendly online portal allowing people to easily compare their health insurance choices and enroll in what works best for them. Individuals will also have access to tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies to make coverage more affordable. Another part of the Exchange, the Small Business Health Options Program (or SHOP), will allow small businesses to purchase group health insurance for their employees.

Click here to take the survey.

For more information, visit the HCA website.