Affordable Care Act may impact city-provided health care benefits

On June 28, 2012, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. Employers, including public employers, need to be aware of major changes in health insurance requirements as the Act is steadily implemented in order to avoid penalties for noncompliance starting in 2014. Some new developments to be aware of include: the delivery of medical loss ratio (MLR) rebate checks, healthcare enrollment for employees, and the drafting of clear and concise Summaries of Benefits and Coverage. Various federal agencies are in the process of finalizing regulations for the implementation of the Act. Therefore, how the agencies will implement the Act remains in flux. As the provisions of the Act come into effect, please contact your City Attorney to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties. Some helpful guidance regarding the Act can be found in the links below.

• The Affordable Care Act (Full Text)

• MLR Information

• Employee Enrollment

• Summary of Benefits and Coverage