The new year means we are closer to the 2014 changes under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the health care reform bill.
While we’re approaching the implementation of major changes to the way care is delivered in this country, some provisions are pending guidance and structure, so many employers are in a holding pattern until things are clearer.
“The best thing an employer can do is become familiar with upcoming changes and talk to their insurer and financial planners now,” says Marty Hauser, CEO of SummaCare, Inc. “Though they might not have all the answers to your questions, it’s a good time to begin the conversation.”
Smart Business spoke to Hauser about what provisions have gone into effect and what we can look forward to this year and into 2014.
What provisions exist now?
In 2010, early provisions included coverage of children with pre-existing conditions; coverage of dependents up to age 26 and 28 under federal and Ohio law, respectively; elimination of lifetime limits of coverage; regulation of annual limits of coverage; prohibiting rescinding of coverage; and 100 percent coverage of certain preventive services.
In 2011, more provisions were implemented, including extending 100 percent coverage of certain preventive services to Medicare members; medical loss ratio requirements; and changes to Federal Savings Accounts (FSAs).
Last year, women’s preventive health services were added to services covered at 100 percent, when received in-network, and insurers were required to distribute Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) documents to potential enrollees upon application and renewal. Employers were also required to include aggregate costs of employer-sponsored health coverage for the 2012 tax year on W-2 documents provided to employees earlier this year.
This year, employers will be required to notify employees of the availability of state exchanges, now referred to as ‘marketplaces.’ There is also a $2,500 cap on FSA contributions.
What provisions are next?
In 2014, one provision impacting consumers will be guaranteed issue of health insurance policies. Guaranteed issue will provide access to affordable coverage to hundreds of thousands of individuals who may have previously been denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions.
Another provision impacting consumers is the implementation of state, federal and partnership marketplaces. A marketplace, in essence, is a state-based transparent and competitive insurance shopping and buying website administered by a governmental agency or nonprofit organization, where individuals and small businesses with up to 99 employees can buy health insurance plans. On Jan. 1, 2014, marketplaces will open to individuals and small employers, and some consumers will qualify for a subsidy from the federal government, helping to offset the cost of coverage purchased through the marketplace.
Additionally, on June 28, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the individual mandate constitutional. It’s considered a tax that will be reported and paid when filing income taxes. The individual mandate takes effect Jan. 1, 2014, meaning all persons will be required to have health insurance or pay a tax penalty.
At the same time, the employer mandate also goes into effect, meaning employers who employed an average of at least 50 full-time employees, with full-time equaling an average of 30 hours per week, are required to offer employees and their dependents an employer-sponsored plan or the employer pays a penalty. Penalties don’t apply to employers with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees and there is no penalty if affordable coverage is offered. Employers with 25 or fewer employees may be eligible for a health insurance tax credit if they offer insurance, but the credit is only available on the marketplace in 2014.
Lastly, in 2014 employers will be allowed to offer wellness incentives of up to 30 percent of the cost of coverage.
What can be done to prepare for 2014?
Talk to your health insurer and financial adviser to find the best health insurance option for your employees next year.
Marty Hauser is the CEO of SummaCare, Inc. Reach him at [email protected].
Website: To learn more about health care reform, visit www.summacare.com/healthcarereform.
Insights Health Care is brought to you by SummaCare, Inc.
