Learn how Covered California affects small business owners

Tahoe Chamber and Barton Health, in conjunction with Small Business Majority and Covered California, will host a free interactive event on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 on the state’s new health insurance marketplace, Covered California, and how it impacts small employers in South Lake Tahoe.

“We believe it’s important for small business owners to learn more about the healthcare law, Covered California and how it all affects them,” said Betty “B” Gorman, President and CEO of Tahoe Chamber. “These interactive dialogues are a great way for small businesses 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.”

The free event, which is open to all local business owners, will feature Small Business Majority’s Northern California Outreach Manager, Rhea Aguinaldo, who will discuss the topics most relevant to small businesses. These include small business tax credits, employer provisions and cost containment provisions. Aguinaldo will also be joined by Enoch Barrios, Covered California SHOP Regional Sales Executive, who will provide detailed information on Covered California’s Small Business Health Options Program, or SHOP. SHOP is California’s health insurance marketplace where small business owners can pool their buying power to help drive down insurance costs. Aguinaldo and Barrios will explain how the marketplace functions and how small business owners can join.

A question and answer period will follow the discussion.Local certified insurance agents, healthcare providers and other healthcare experts will be available for assistance.

“Access to these new options, either the small business portal or the individual marketplace, will provide new options for many entrepreneurs to obtain health insurance for their families and their employees.” said Aguinaldo. “Events like these help small business owners get the information they need to make informed decisions.”

The free event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Lake Tahoe Community College, 1 College Drive, Room L104, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.