Updates on the ACA

It’s been awhile since I’ve written a blog with regards to, well heck, anything! I probably get at least 10 emails everyday with the newest interpretation of  Health Care Reform or ACA (Affordable Care Act) which has been upon us for over a year.  I decided that it’s time to make sure my clients understand the basics.

Some requirements of the ACA happened in 2012 and some things happened in 2013, but the biggest piece of the ACA will happen next year.

Here is a You Tube video as a reminder of the different pieces to the ACA.  

There are two “must do” items that need to be done immediately.  I’ll send out more information shortly about the other upcoming issues.

1. Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBCs).  This document is always included with your renewal package from the insurance carrier, or they will instruct you where to go to download the form from the carrier website.  You must distribute this form at least 30 days prior to your plan’s renewal.  If you decide to change plan design or change carriers, you must provide this form to employees at least 30 days prior to the plan effective date.  You should also be able to document that the SBC’s were sent to each employee.
2. You must provide a letter from the Department of Labor that explains how the exchanges work.  You can down load the letter here  DOL letter FLSA with plans.  There is also a letter for employers that do not offer health insurance and I have that as well should anyone need it.

That’s it for this issue.  Oh, by the way, the rumor is that the Department of Labor (DOL) plans to audit EVERY employer over the next Five years!