Implementation of the affordable care act: Challenges for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander small business owners and employees

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), millions of small business owners are eligible to receive tax credits and gain access to affordable health insurance for themselves, their employees, and their families. This is especially important for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAs and NHPIs), who represent over 1.5 million businesses and have the second highest rate of self-employment among all racial groups. Unfortunately, certain subgroups of small business owners will not get the coverage they need because of cost, eligibility, and enrollment barriers. Even with tax credits, the cost of purchasing coverage may be too high for low-income and immigrant business owners. In addition, businesses with no paid employees are excluded from accessing small business benefits offered in the ACA. This exclusion will particularly impact Asian-owned businesses as approximately 80% have no paid employees. AA and NHPI business owners are also more likely to experience language barriers, which could prevent them from understanding coverage options and reduce rates of enrollment. In order to maximize enrollment for small business owners and employees, policymakers should provide eligibility and enrollment forms and instructions in appropriate languages, develop effective outreach and education plans for enrolling individuals, and conduct consumer testing to develop user-friendly materials. Based on recent research findings, this presentation will identify health insurance needs and challenges for AA and NHPI small business owners and employees. Participants will learn strategies for addressing the unique needs of this population to ensure that they have health care access and quality health insurance options.