Health Care Reform News and Events
USI provides up to date information regarding The Health Care Reform Act to keep you informed of legislative changes as they occur.
March, 2013
For plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits group health plans and group health insurance issuers from applying any waiting period that exceeds 90 days. ACA’s 90-day waiting period limit applies to both non-grandfathered and grandfathered group health plans and health insurance coverage.
Beginning in 2014, individuals and small employers will be able to purchase health insurance through online competitive marketplaces, or Exchanges. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) directs each state that chooses to operate an Exchange to also establish a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the SHOP will assist eligible small employers in providing health insurance for their employees.
In addition, ACA directs HHS to establish and operate the federally-facilitated Exchange (FFE) in each state that does not establish its own Exchange. The FFE will include both individual market and SHOP components.
Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) imposes a shared responsibility penalty on large employers that do not offer minimum essential coverage to substantially all full-time employees and their dependents. Large employers that offer coverage may still be liable for a penalty if the coverage is unaffordable or does not provide minimum value.
Beginning in 2014, to avoid penalties under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), large employers must provide health coverage to their full-time employees (and dependents) that is affordable and provides minimum value. An employer-sponsored plan provides minimum value under ACA if the percentage of the total allowed costs of benefits provided under the plan is no less than 60 percent.
February, 2013
The Individual Mandate
“Pay or Play” Penalty – Identifying Full-time Employees
Exchange Notice Requirements Delayed
January, 2013
Proposed Rule Issued on Health Insurance Exchanges
Proposed Rules Released on Employer Penalties
Determining Minimum Value of Health Plan Coverage
December, 2012
HHS Provides Guidance on Methods for De-Identifying PHI
Final Guidance Released on Research Fees
What is the Fiscal Cliff?
November, 2012
Proposed Rules on Workplace Wellness Programs
Washington, D.C. - Health Care Reform
Obama Wins Re-election – Health Care Reform Law Here to Stay
October, 2012
September, 2012
August, 2012
July, 2012
June, 2012
May, 2012