PARIS/BETHEL — On Oct. 1, the online health insurance “Marketplace” opened for business, where small businesses and individuals can purchase health plans for 2014. This seminar will offer practical knowledge for small business owners, the self-employed and other individuals who want help navigating the new health insurance programs.

Seminars will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Forum and at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Telstar High School Library in Bethel.

Michael Newsom, president of W.J. Wheeler Insurance, says, “I’ve seen the devastating impact that being uninsured or underinsured can have on an individual, family or business owner. My goal is to share knowledge with community members so that each of us can make informed decisions about health insurance in the coming new year.”

The presentation will address health insurance coverage changes that are part of “Obamacare” as well as changes to the purchasing of and cost of health insurance, both for consumers and for employers.

Specific topics for individuals include: The individual mandate (does it apply to you?); Premium subsidies and cost-sharing subsidies (do you qualify?).

Specific topics for business owners include: The employer mandate (does it apply to you?); Small business tax credits (do you qualify?).