/// Guest post by contributor Jerry Leemkuil, Federated Insurance
Get the Full Story on PPACA before Choosing a Group Plan
As an employer, you are undoubtedly aware of “Obamacare,” a.k.a. PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), and all its implications. You are also likely hearing a lot of information about the pricing and plan designs offered through medical insurance providers in your state.
The flow of information is coming out at an ever increasing rate and the media messages can often be confusing at best. In this new world you must remain diligent in your analysis of what to offer your employees, and what’s best for your business. This will be even more important when comparing available plans from state and federal exchanges.
How Does This Impact You?
It’s understandable that you have questions about using a state or federal exchange because you saw a newspaper article or report on television touting low prices for available plans. A closer look at these stories will reveal some important points you need to make sure you understand:
- The prices you are seeing today are for individual plans on the exchanges, not group plans. Group plans will not be available on the Federal SHOP Exchange until November 1st, and will differ from what is available in the individual marketplace.
- To reduce their overall cost, many insurance companies have significantly reduced the size of their network for plans available on exchanges. This will mean fewer choices for the employees accessing this type of network.
- Out-of-network coverage, while still available, is potentially subject to an unlimited out-of-pocket maximum.
What Does it Mean to Me?
Now, more than ever, you need to understand the plans and implications to your employees and your business by getting a copy of plan designs, policies, and a definition of the available network. Face it, one of the driving forces behind your offering health benefits is to attract and retain employees. Not offering this benefit puts you at a distinct disadvantage when competing for the best workers.
Your Federated marketing representative can be a valuable resource for helping you understand the ACA. Knowing your options and making choices now will help you avoid hasty, poorly planned decisions later. And, your employees will appreciate your sincere and open communication regarding their choices.
Locate your Federated marketing representative by visiting www.federatedinsurance.com, or calling 1-800-533-0472.
{Guest Post} Guest post provided by Jerry Leemkuil, Federated Insurance. For more than a century, Federated Insurance Companies has provided peace of mind to business owners through valued insurance protection. Learn more about Federated Insurance.
The opinions and advice given by guest post contributors are not necessarily those of NATSO Inc. The posts should not be considered legal advice. Qualified professionals should be sought regarding advice and questions specific to your circumstances.
This article is intended to provide general information and recommendations regarding risk prevention only. There is no guarantee that this information will result in reduced losses, lower premiums, or lower experience modification factors. The content provided is accurate as of January 2014 and is subject to change. This information may be subject to regulations and restrictions in your state and should not be considered legal advice. Qualified counsel should be sought regarding questions specific to your circumstances and applicable state laws. © 2014 Federated Mutual Insurance Company.
Subscribe to Updates
NATSO provides a breadth of information created to strengthen travel plazas’ ability to meet the needs of the travelling public in an age of disruption. This includes knowledge filled blog posts, articles and publications. If you would like to receive a digest of blog post and articles directly in your inbox, please provide your name, email and the frequency of the updates you want to receive the email digest.
