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Supreme Court to hear PPACA Challenges
On Nov. 14, 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will review the health care reform law in 2012. This comes after multiple federal court rulings regarding the constitutionality of the law, generally centered around the individual mandate. The rulings to-date have been split.
The Supreme Court hearing will ultimately decide whether or not the law is constitutional. The expected timing for decision issuance is June 2012, only a few months from the 2012 presidential election.
The Court's review will center on the constitutionality of the health care reform law's individual mandate. Under the mandate, most individuals must obtain health insurance coverage, or pay a penalty. 2011 Rulings Review - June - 6th Circuit upheld constitutionality of individual mandate.
- August - 11th Circuit ruled the mandate unconstitutional.
- September - 4th Circuit dismissed challenges based on procedure.
- November - D.C. Circuit upheld the constitutionality of individual mandate.
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2011: Health Care Reform in Review
The Supreme Court announcement winds up a year of changes and issues related to the PPACA. The 1099 Reporting requirement was repealed, as was the Free Choice Voucher provision. The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Program (CLASS) implementation was suspended in October.
The Departments of Labor, Health & Human Services and Treasury (The Departments) have been issuing guidance to implement the various PPACA reforms. They've issued a proposed template for the Summary of Benefits & Coverage, an amended guidance to Claims and Appeals regulations, guidance on Annual Limit Waivers and the big one --- proposed guidance for State Health Insurance Exchanges.
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For more information on 2011 Health Care Reform activities, read our full Legislative Brief.
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About EmSpring
We are an employee benefits firm with an emphasis on health insurance and self-funded medical plans, benefits and plan design, HR and integrated payroll technology.
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Our clients are Pacific Northwest companies who consider their employees to be their greatest asset.
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