The document summarizes key provisions of the Affordable Care Act that take effect between now and 2014 for employers, including requirements to provide preventive care benefits, distribute summaries of benefits and coverage, and pay fees. It outlines the employer mandate beginning in 2014, under which large employers that do not offer affordable, minimum value health coverage to full-time employees will face penalties. It also discusses subsidies available to individuals through state health insurance exchanges.
IRS has issued request for comments on this issue, including 30 hour equivalencies. Also, all I’m finding is “as of January 1, 2014” – so not sure if this will be plan-year basis.
I’d be careful with the tobacco use reference—that opens the door for the complicated wellness program discussion. You can vary premium rates for smokers vs. nonsmokers, but only if the program meets very specific guidelines.
For 2010 and 2011, the HDHP maximum out-of-pocket expense limit (that is, the sum of the plan’s annual deductible and other annual out-of-pocket expenses (other than premiums) that the insured is required to pay, such as co-payments and co-insurance for an HDHP) cannot exceed $5,950 for self-only coverage and $11,900 for family coverage.