The Trump administration’s attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act — President Obama’s signature health care law — did not go quite as planned. However, “Obamacare” changes are on the horizon. Obamacare is still the law of the land, but the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued new rules which change how the law is implemented. These new rules aim to: lower premiums; stabilize the
Pre-Existing Conditions – Five Things You Need to Know
Here are 5 things you need to know about pre-existing conditions under the new health care law (aka Affordable Care Act), for plans effective beginning January 1, 2014: 1. You cannot be denied insurance because of pre-existing conditions All new health plans will be guaranteed issue. This means health insurance can be purchased by anyone, regardless of health status. 2. You cannot be charged a higher premium if you have
What Every Business Needs to Know about the Affordable Care Act
We’ve added a new resource — What Every Business Needs to Know about the Affordable Care Act — on our Resources page. This is a terrific, easy-to-use guide that we think will be very helpful as companies and individuals do their best to learn about the new health care law. Take a few moments to check it out! Better yet, bookmark the page and refer back whenever you need to!
Employers Must Notify Employees About Health Insurance Information by October 1
Last month, we wrote about the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) requirement that every employer provide written notice by October 1, 2013 to every employee about options for health insurance. In addition, after October 1, 2013, employers must provide the exchange notice to new hires within 14 days of the employee’s start date. We also posted a link to the Department of Labor’s (DOL) model notices that employers can use as
Policies Sold in the Health Care Exchanges May Offer Fewer Providers
Mandatory health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for most Americans starting on January 1, 2014 will cause a flood into the market of previously-uninsured individuals and those needing to get new coverage. Coupled with the fact that insurance plans will be required to cover a comprehensive list of essential health benefits, insurance companies and government officials are trying to find ways to hold down medical costs. Renegotiating
What is a Health Insurance Exchange?
A health insurance exchange (also known as a marketplace) is a new organization established under the provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The theory behind the exchanges is to give people access to an organized, competitive market in which they can research and compare various affordable health insurance options, and ultimately purchase a plan that best meets their needs. Key points: When will the exchanges open? October 1, 2013,
Will Lawmakers Have to Purchase Insurance through the Exchange?
This is an interesting question. When the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed in 2010, it included language requiring that Congress and members of its staff obtain their health insurance through the exchanges when they open later this year. There were conflicting news reports last week regarding whether or not this requirement will “stick”, as the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which administers health insurance plans for Congress and its
