Section 157.205 - Qualified employer participation process in a SHOP for plan years beginning prior to January 1, 2018(a)General requirements. When joining the SHOP, a qualified employer must comply with the requirements, processes, and timelines set forth by this part and must remain in compliance for the duration of the employer's participation in the SHOP.(b)Selecting QHPs. During an election period, a qualified employer may make coverage in a QHP available through the SHOP in accordance with the processes developed by the SHOP in accordance with § 155.705 of this subchapter.(c)Information dissemination to employees. A qualified employer participating in the SHOP must disseminate information to its qualified employees about the process to enroll in a QHP through the SHOP.(d)Payment. A qualified employer must submit any contribution towards the premiums of any qualified employee according to the standards and processes described in § 155.705 of this subchapter.(e)Employees hired outside of the initial or annual open enrollment period. Qualified employers must provide employees hired outside of the initial or annual open enrollment period with:(1) An enrollment period to seek coverage in a QHP in accordance with § 155.725(g) of this subchapter; and(2) Information about the enrollment process in accordance with § 155.725 of this subchapter.(f)New employees and changes in employee eligibility. Qualified employers participating in the SHOP must provide the SHOP with information about dependents or employees whose eligibility status for coverage purchased through the employer in the SHOP has changed, including:(1) Newly eligible dependents and newly qualified employees. In a Federally-facilitated SHOP or in a State Exchange that uses the Federal platform for SHOP functions, a qualified employer must provide information about a newly qualified employee on or before the thirtieth day after the day that the employee becomes a newly qualified employee; and(2) Loss of qualified employee status.(g)Annual employer election period. Qualified employers must adhere to the annual employer election period to change their program participation for the next plan year described in § 155.725(c) of this subchapter.(h)Applicability date. The provisions of this section apply for plan years beginning prior to January 1, 2018. Section 157.206 is applicable for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2018. 77 FR 18474 , Mar. 27, 2012, as amended at 81 FR 94183 , Dec. 22, 2016; 83 FR 17070 , Apr. 17, 2018