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Issue: # 103
September  12, 2013
  
Great video, click on picture 
  

Dear  :     

 

 

The video above is one of the better branding videos that I have seen in a long time.  Take a break from work, watch it and enjoy.
 
Very important notice below.  Employers need to send notice to employees about the new Health Insurance Exchanges that are available. Below you will find the sample model notices.  There are 3 pages - you do not have to complete the 3rd page.  ALL of our groups meet "Minimum Value Standards", so please check off that box on page 2.
 
You can also remind employees that if they choose to secure coverage through the exchange they will lose the current employer contribution that you provide.  They also forfeit the ability to pay the premiums with pre-tax dollars.
 
 We are always available - call or send an  email to  Bill or Vanessa today.
 
 
Sincerely,
 
 

All Employers must provide Health Exchange notice

October 1st deadline

 
  

Despite some delays in implementation, a major piece of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) still requires all employers - regardless of whether or not they offer health care coverage - to provide current employees with a health insurance exchange notice no later than October 1, 2013.  The notice must inform employees of the existence of the exchange, the services offered, and contact information, allowing them to make informed decisions about health insurance.

 

With the recent announcement that parts of the PPACA are being delayed, many employers think they are absolved of any requirements under the law until 2015, and that is just not true.   Notifying employees of these new health care marketplace coverage options is one requirement all employers still must do before October 1.

 

The purpose of the notification is to inform employees about the new health insurance exchanges and subsidies that will be available to individuals effective January 1, 2014, and to provide information about the employer's current offerings to employees.  The open enrollment period for the state and federal health insurance exchanges begins on October 1, 2013. The new exchanges will offer a place for individuals and small business to compare and select coverage options via an online marketplace.

 

The notice must be given to all employees, regardless of plan enrollment status, or of part-time or full-time status, but does not need to be issued to dependents or other related individuals who are, or may become eligible, for coverage under this plan. For employees hired after October 1, 2013, the notice must be provided upon hire (which the U.S. Department of Labor has indicated means within two weeks of their start date).

 

The United States Department of Labor has provided model notices for employers offering insurance coverage to employees, as well as for those not offering coverage. Below are the links to the model notices that employers can use to comply:

Both notices are also available in a Microsoft Word format and can be found on the Department of Labor website.