The Pennsylvania Insurance Department recently approved the extension announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to allow small employers to keep their current plans for two years, with the possibility of adding a one-year extension.

HealthAmerica has already sent each of our small group customers with July 2014 effective dates a renewal proposal for a plan that offers benefits mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014. In light of the state's recent announcement, we are pleased to now offer these same small group customers the additional option to renew existing plans.  Our offer to keep the 2013 plan in place includes rates that are medically underwritten.

The 2013 plans also do not include all of the benefits that otherwise would be mandated in newer plans that comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These differences mean small group customers may be able to provide their employees with continuity of benefits for at least another year. Plans will continue to be updated with state-mandated benefits and other federally required benefits.

Next Steps

Small group customers with July renewal effective dates will receive an offer to renew their current 2013 plan in the mail within the next few weeks. They will need to submit their election for either the current plan renewal option or an ACA-compliant plan to their HealthAmerica representative by the appropriate deadline. Otherwise, the policy will be automatically renewed with its current 2013 benefits, plus any other federal/state requirements.

We look forward to working with you and your small group customers to help them find the best option for coverage in 2014. Please contact your HealthAmerica representative for more information.