Impact of Healthcare Law on Ohio Small Businesses Focal Point of Roundtable Event - Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH̢??‰۝Small Business Majority, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services, co-hosted a roundtable today with Interact for Health and the African American Chamber of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky on the healthcare law, Ohio̢??‰?s new marketplace and its impact on small businesses. Guest speakers included Sol Ross, Director of Business Outreach for the Health and Human Services Department, and Rhett Buttle, Small Business Majority's Vice President of External Affairs.

̢???It̢??‰?s important for small business owners to learn more about the healthcare law and how it affects them,̢???? said Jim Schwab, President and CEO of Interact for Health. ̢???We̢??‰?re glad to have had the opportunity to hold this roundtable discussion in Cincinnati. These interactive dialogues are a great way for our small employers to get the information they need to take advantage of and comply with key provisions of the healthcare law, and for us to get feedback on their thoughts and concerns.̢????

During the event, Small Business Majority̢??‰?s Rhett Buttle discussed the topics most relevant to small businesses. These included small business tax credits, wellness grants and cost containment provisions. Buttle provided detailed information on the Ohio health insurance marketplace̢??‰۝an online marketplace where small business owners can pool their buying power to help drive down insurance costs. Ohio has a federally facilitated marketplace because state lawmakers chose not to create their own. Buttle explained how the marketplace functions and how small employers can join.

̢???Access to the new health insurance marketplace will provide new options for many entrepreneurs to obtain health insurance for their employees and themselves. The new marketplaces will allow small employers, self-employed individuals and small business workers with more options than they've ever had before,̢???? Buttle said. ̢???This event informed small business owners about various provisions in the law aimed at helping rein in their costs, and how they can take advantage of them.̢????