Employees of small businesses- classified by the federal government as businesses with 50 employees or less- will have more options for healthcare packages beginning this fall. A provision of the Affordable Car Act requires states to set up a Small Business Health Options Program, or Shop Exchange. The exchanges will allow employees to comparison shop and enroll for the plan of their choice online. Plans sold on exchanges will be required to provide for 10 "essential health benefits," including emergency care, prescription drugs, and doctor visits.
See "More Options This Fall for Some Small-Business Workers", Michelle Andrews, NPR Online, August 20, 2013