IFA Statement on Delay of Small Business Health Options Program

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact:

Matthew Haller, 202-662-0770

Jenna Weisbord, 202-662-0766

mhaller@franchise.org

jweisbord@franchise.org


IFA STATEMENT ON DELAY OF SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH OPTIONS PROGRAM


WASHINGTON, Nov. 27, 2013— International Franchise Association President & CEO Steve Caldeira released the below statement today following the administration’s announcement that online enrollment for small businesses looking to purchase health coverage thro ugh the federally-run Small Business Health Options Program, or “SHOP” exchanges, will be delayed for one year.


“The delay of online enrollment for the federally-run exchanges is no surprise to the business community and just adds to the growing list of problems the Affordable Care Act has created for employers. Another delay of one more key aspect of the law will not change the fundamental, negative impact the law has thrust on small businesses, including higher costs for employers, less hours for employees, and fewer jobs for Americans.


“With this delay, it will also call into question how the small business tax credit is applied. Not having the ability to apply electronically will now make this process more confusing, cumbersome and time-consuming for employers. With the seemingly-endless list of starts and stops in the healthcare law, small businesses are left in an ongoing, uncertain world with more detours to navigate.”


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About the International Franchise Association

The International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. Celebrating over 50 years of excellence, education and advocacy, IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising. Through its media awareness campaign highlighting the theme, Franchising: Building Local Businesses, One Opportunity at a Time, IFA promotes the economic impact of the more than 825,000 franchise establishments, which support nearly 18 million jobs and $2.1 trillion of economic output for the U.S. economy. IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law and business development.


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