"It is important to understand that this is not a delay of the federal SHOP exchange itself, but rather of one SHOP exchange functionality, albeit an important one.... Although employers cannot purchase coverage online, they can go online to compare available qualified health plans. As of December, employers will be able to enter the ages of their employees and get 'more precise' premium information, as well as compare plan features.... In reality, however, the most important delays took place in March when employee choice and premium aggregation were put off. Employers should not experience any real adverse effects from this additional delay[.]"  MORE >>