With the re-election of President Obama, another hurdle to implementing the Affordable Care Act has been avoided. While some effects of the law on businesses are still being worked out, provisions of the Affordable Care Act would make it easier for c
onsumers to compare health plans and employers to promote and encourage employee wellness.
Recently, the Obama administration issued the following proposed rules:
• Beginning in 2014, health plans will be allowed to vary premiums based on only age, tobacco use, family size, and geography.
This also means that no person can be denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition or be charged higher premiums based on current or past health problems, gender, occupation, and small employer size or industry.
• Essential health benefits are being identified as the core set of benefits that will give consumers a consistent way to compare health plans in the
individual and small group markets.
• The implementation and expansion of employment-based wellness programs to promote and help control health care spending are a major part of the Affordable Care Act”s focus on prevention.
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We understand that navigating the changes in health care can be challenging. We will keep you appraised as the clarity of reform becomes available.