Affordable Care Act Notice Requirements

Sometimes TCA members get so involved in constructing buildings and roads that they miss some of the announcements about general business issues.  While many of the mandates for TCA employers to provide coverage under the Affordable Care Act have been postponed until 2015, the Act’s implementation is underway.  There are some impending dates of which you should be aware. 

1.     October 1, 2013 - Many employers must provide notice of coverage options to employees by October 1, 2013 and to any new employees moving forward.  You can find out if your company is required to provide notice at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/healthreform.  According to the Department of Labor’s website, in general, this requirement, “applies to employers that employ one or more employees who are engaged in, or produce goods for, interstate commerce. For most firms, a test of not less than $500,000 in annual dollar volume of business applies.”  This site also provides examples of notices that you can use.

2.     January 1, 2014 - The date that most individuals are required to have health insurance through their employer, a government program, or on their own.  Individuals who can afford health care, but do not have a health insurance plan that meets minimum essential requirements may be fined.  Individuals can find out more about whether they are required to have health insurance at https://www.healthcare.gov/what-if-someone-doesnt-have-health-coverage-in-2014/.  The first open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace is from October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014.  Enrollment is available at https://www.healthcare.gov/.  

If you have not done so, seek the advice of legal and insurance benefit professionals to guide your company on the best course of action.