HEALTHCARE REFORM ROADMAP

Great news for HR and Benefits professionals…the health insurance exchange reporting requirement for employers has been delayed indefinitely by federal regulators.  PPACA required employers to notify employees in writing by March 1 about the availability of public health insurance exchanges.  Since little is known about the actual functioning of exchanges and many of the administrative rules remain pending, the delay is a welcome relief for employers.

For the first time, employers are required to report the aggregate cost of employer-sponsored group health plan benefits on each employee’s W-2.  W-2’s issued in January 2013 will include this new information.

STEVE HOOK
Benefits Practice Leader

According to a recent survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly half of those surveyed are confused and another 31% said they were angry about health care reform.  The “Play or Pay” provisions of the Affordable Care Act have certainly contributed to some of these sentiments, especially for those responsible for benefits at their companies.  

Well, the Supreme Court has decided the fate of the health care reform law. At least, it should have, according to its standard operating procedure. The Court usually takes a vote on its cases within days of the conclusion of oral arguments, which were held March 26-28. Although votes can be changed after that initial conference, it appears rare that a change affects the outcome of a case.

RENEE KUHS
Compliance Attorney

When my son was in fourth grade, I fondly remember helping him study for Social Studies.  As an attorney, I was not much help with Math homework [where calculators were prohibited] – but studying our three branches of government and the importance of the separation of powers was right up my alley.

STEVE HOOK
Benefits Practice Leader

Last week was a busy one for the Supreme Court.  The court heard an unprecedented amount [3 days worth] of testimony to determine the fate of the President’s historic health care overhaul.

STEVE HOOK
Benefits Practice Leader

Final rules on the health care exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act are expected to be released next week in the Federal Register.  This 600+ page document will set forth rules on: 

RENEE KUHS
Compliance Attorney

On March 23, 2010, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Health Care Reform) was signed into law.  Proponents of Health Care Reform argue that this legislation will contain soaring medical costs, provide coverage to more uninsured people, and improve the quality of health care. 

RENEE KUHS
Compliance Attorney

Process for implementing Health Care Reform

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Health Care Reform) is nearly two years old.  Although a lot has happened in two years, the process for implementing Health Care Reform has only just begun.  Once a new law is passed, regulatory agencies are then charged with interpreting the legislative text (over 1000 pages in the case of Health Care Reform), releasing regulatory guidance that fills in the details, and enforcing the law’s requirements.