Cathy Grason Highlights CHOICE Arrangements for Small Businesses in Maryland

BALTIMORE, Oct. 8, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Cathy Grason, vice president and associate general counsel at Oscar Health, has highlighted the potential of CHOICE arrangements to expand health coverage options for small businesses in Maryland. Speaking at a joint meeting of the Maryland Insurance Administration and the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, Grason emphasized the importance of CHOICE arrangements as a viable health benefits model for small employers.

Grason, as a member of the Insurance Choice & Affordability Alliance (ICAA), explained that CHOICE arrangements, formerly known as individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements (ICHRAs) and Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (QSEHRAs), allow employers to make a defined, tax-advantaged contribution toward employees' individual health insurance plans. This model contrasts with traditional group plans, where employers select a single plan for the entire workforce, providing employees with greater flexibility in choosing plans that fit their individual needs.

According to Grason, the model is particularly beneficial for small employers that currently offer no coverage. Nationally, more than two-thirds of small employers offering CHOICE arrangements and QSEHRAs had never offered coverage before. Grason noted that this model can provide a cost-effective and flexible alternative for small businesses, especially those facing affordability pressures.

Grason stressed the importance of education for both employers and employees, particularly around premium tax credit eligibility and the differences between CHOICE arrangements and QSEHRAs. She highlighted that more than 60 administrators now offer decision support tools to help employers and employees with plan selection. These tools can assist in navigating the complexities of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and choosing plans that meet individual needs.

The CHOICE model is gaining bipartisan interest across the country. ICAA tracks CHOICE activity in 13 states, and Grason described three approaches states are taking: tax credits to encourage employer awareness and adoption, exchange-based support for CHOICE arrangements, and independent studies examining their potential cost savings. ICAA endorses all three approaches and is willing to serve as a resource to Maryland as it evaluates solutions for small businesses.

Grason acknowledged that CHOICE arrangements are not a silver bullet and are not the best option for every group. However, she emphasized that it is an important option in the toolkit that many small employers are unaware of. She noted that 55% of small businesses that offer no coverage today are unaware of the option, which is a significant gap that needs to be addressed.

The Insurance Choice & Affordability Alliance is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing awareness and acceptance of CHOICE arrangements among employers, employees, and policymakers. Grason's presentation at the joint meeting underscores the growing recognition of CHOICE arrangements as a valuable tool for expanding health coverage options for small businesses in Maryland and beyond.