Affordable Care Act - New Marketplace
In March 2010, President Obama signed comprehensive health reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), into law. While some provisions of the law have already taken effect, many more provisions will be implemented in the coming years.
When key parts of the health care law take effect in 2014, there will be a new way to buy health insurance through public health insurance exchanges, i.e., the “Health Insurance Marketplace”.
Employers, that are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, should provide a written notice to employees of the availability of coverage through the “Health Insurance Marketplace” by October 1, 2013. Open enrollment for health insurance coverage through the Marketplace begins in October 2013 for coverage starting as early as January 1, 2014.
Posted below are two model notices to help employers comply with the employee notification. There is one model notice for employers who do not offer a health plan and another model notice for employers who offer a health plan for some or all employees. There is no fine or penalty under the law for failing to provide the notice to employees.
As always, please contact our office to schedule an appointment if you would like to discuss in further detail how the ACA will affect you and your employees.