July 2, 2013
The Obama Administration has postponed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) employer mandate penalties for one year, until 2015. The Department of the Treasury announced the delay on July 2, 2013, along with a similar delay for information reporting by employers, health insurance issuers and self-funded plan sponsors.
The delay does not affect any other provision of the ACA, including individuals’ access to premium tax credits for coverage through an Exchange. The Treasury plans to issue more formal information about the delay within a week. (more…)
May 22, 2013
The Arizona State Legislature is considering legislation to repeal Healthcare Group of Arizona effective January 1, 2014. If the legislation is approved, Healthcare Group of Arizona (HCGA) will stop providing coverage effective December 31, 2013, when the new web-based insurance exchange will be available to offer health insurance coverage. As currently drafted, HCGA will not accept applications for new groups or subscribers after July 15, 2013.
On October 1, 2013, the new web-based insurance exchange will begin accepting applications for health insurance coverage. In Arizona, this marketplace will be operated by the federal government and is known as the federally-facilitated exchange or FFE. Coverage on the FFE begins January 1, 2014 and will be available to individuals and to employees of small businesses. Additional information on the operation of the FFE will be forthcoming. We will post a link to the FFE once it becomes available. (more…)
