IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Sebelius on Obamacare small business enrollment delay

"On Nov. 1, small businesses can actually go on and enroll in a plan that's best for them and their employees," Health Secretary Kahleen Sebelius said.
/ Source: Now With Alex

"On Nov. 1, small businesses can actually go on and enroll in a plan that's best for them and their employees," Health Secretary Kahleen Sebelius said.

Shortly before Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius appeared on NOW with Alex Wagner Thursday, news broke that the Obama administration was delaying enrollment in most of the small-business exchanges by a month.

“The small business exchange, where for the first time a lot of small business owners will be able to compare plans side by side, that will be available on Oct. 1 as promised,” Sebelius said. “And then beginning Nov. 1 they can do the online enrollment. These are plans that don’t start till January first. So well before any insurance benefits would be available.”

“OK so just to be clear,” Wagner said,”the actual insurance is not delayed at all, it is the enrollment process that is pushed back by a month while presumably small businesses get more familiar with what’s available?”

“That’s absolutely correct,” the secretary replied.

Sebelius appeared moments after President Obama wrapped up a speech in Largo, Md., touting the benefits of the law.

There, the president told thousands of students at Prince George’s Community College that a 25-year-old making $25,000 a year in Maryland could be covered on the exchanges for $80 a month, while a family of four making $60,000 a year could be covered for $164 a month.

On Wednesday, Sebelius’ department revealed a report showing that 94% of all premiums on the health care exchanges would come in below CBO projections.