ObamaCare May Require Employers To Revise Employment Contracts
Administrative officials in at least one American state are formalizing some of the new options available under the Affordable Care Act.
In Illinois, for example, Gov. Pat Quinn's administration has named the new health insurance marketplace "Get Covered Illinois." The coverage options will be available for purchase on October 1, and are scheduled to continue through the end of March.
As readers might expect, there may be administrative variances in how states respond to the government-subsidized health insurance requirements of Obamacare. Although new state exchanges will be opening up next week, uninsured Americans may encounter big differences in premiums, depending on where they live.
Across the country, the federal government will at least partially run health insurance exchanges in 36 American states. Maryland is one of those states. According to one prediction, consumers in Prince George's County and across the state may see as much as a 25 percent increase in their insurance premiums. However, consumers will have different plan options from which to choose, and some residents may opt for plans with lower premiums.
Under Obamacare, individuals in the federal poverty level may qualify for a government tax credit subsidy, which might make the new health insurance coverage options more affordable. However, such individuals might be advised to choose plans with lower premiums, as one analyst cautions that the tax credit may be a fixed amount for federal poverty level consumers.
In light of these health insurance changes, many employers in participating states will also be revising the sections in their employee handbooks or other internal publications that describe employer provided healthcare options. However, an employment attorney might recommend that companies gain a few weeks' perspective before finalizing such changes. The extra time might ensure that data describing the new federal exchange is accurate.
Source: forbes.com, "Health Insurance Rates Are Out For The Obamacare Exchanges -- Is It Good News?" Carolyn McClanahan