Sponsored by Northern Illinois Health Plan |
July 2010 Issue |
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E to E provides information from a business perspective that will educate regional employers about significant healthcare issues to help them make decisions benefiting their organizations and employees. | ||
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ContentsGrandfather Status Under the New Health Plan Health Coverage for Adult Children New Government Web Site on Health Insurance Plans
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The Affordable Care Act introduces a number of health related provisions to take effect over the next four years. As you work through the various sections that impact your business, we encourage you to contact us with questions. Grandfather Status Under the New Health PlanMany businesses have been asking the obvious question when it comes to the Health Care Reform Act – what must we do to make sure that we’re following the guidelines in order for my health plans to be considered "grandfathered?" The regulations that were formally introduced on June 14, 2010 by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury and Labor, answer the question. Highlights of what you cannot do if you want to keep your Grandfathered Status:
In order to maintain Grandfather Status:
FURTHER READING
Legal alert: Analyzing the Grandfather Regs under PPACA
Once you go grandfathered, don’t go back
Rules defining grandfathered plans issued New Patient’s Bill of RightsA new Patient’s Bill of Rights was implemented under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that ensures a basic set of consumer protections when it comes to healthcare. Many of the rules will take effect on or after September 23, 2010. Because some of these apply to Grandfathered Plans and some do not, contact NIHP for specific questions on your company’s plan. Key provisions include:
FURTHER READING
Fact Sheet: The Affordable Care Act's New Patient’s Bill of Rights
Government unveils new Patient's Bill of Rights under PPACA
Implementing health reform: A Patient Bill Of Rights Health Coverage for Adult ChildrenThe Affordable Care Act requires plans and insurers to make coverage available for children up until the age of 26 if they are eligible to be covered on their parents' plan. This extension of coverage is mandatory for group health plans as of the first plan year beginning on or after September 23, 2010. For employers with calendar year plans, which are the most common, the requirement begins January 1, 2011. Grandfathered group health plans are not required to follow the regulations until January 1, 2014. In a sign of good will, many insurers extended their coverage prior to the deadlines mentioned. Their decision was based on the desire to reduce the likelihood of gaps in coverage for young adult children. A Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions regarding health coverage for adult children has been prepared by Health and Human Services. FURTHER READING
Health insurance for the under-26 crowd
Navigating tax rules on health coverage for adult children
Young adults and the Affordable Care Act A Quick Review of Last Issue's "Quick Poll"In the April 2010 issue of E to E we asked readers, "How well do you understand the impacts the new healthcare reform law will have on your benefit programs?" Specific survey results are noted in the chart, below.
JULY Quick Poll – Vote
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