| The Basics | Random Fines, Facts and Misconceptions | Small Business | Nitty Gritty Details | HR Contribution |
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The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) or shorted to ACA.
Source: Lussier, Robert N. and John R. Hendon. Human Resource Management: Functions, Applications, Skill Development. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc., 2013. Page 521.
What is the official title of Obamacare?
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No, the act only mandates that everyone should have health insurance. (Except for seniors on Medicare and veterans; insurance is provided by private insurance carriers).
Is the ACA a government "take over" of health care?
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The cost of health care coverage.
Source:http://www.shrm.org/legalissues/federalresources/pages/notice-affordable-care-act.aspx
What must now be included on W-2 forms?
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26 years.
Source: Lussier, Robert N. and John R. Hendon. Human Resource Management: Functions, Applications, Skill Development. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc., 2013. Page 521
Until what age can children stay on their parents health plan?
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Under ACA small business owners can use the "SHOP" market place on Covered CA. Although, by going through a local agent you have access to an actual person for questions and support.
Source: Terry de Decker, Vantreo Insurance Services.
How can an HR professional help organizations to attain competitive rates on health insurance for employees?
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1000 pages!
Source:http://www.kqed.org/news/health/obamacare/obamacare-guide.jsp
How many pages in the ACA?
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Although, as of 2015 some in states smokers can expect to pay up to 50% more. In May 2013 CA removed smoking as a factor in determining premiums; the increased premiums do not apply.
Source: http://obamacarefacts.com/obamacare-facts.php Terry de Decker
Will smokers be charged extra premium for health coverage?
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50 FTE (Full-Time Equivalent).
Source: Lussier, Robert N. and John R. Hendon. Human Resource Management: Functions, Applications, Skill Development. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc., 2013. Page 521
How many employees must a business employ in order to be required to provide health care to their employees by 2014 or face fines?
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No, grandchildren cannot be on their grandparents policies.
Source: Healthcare Reform pamphlet, by Terry de Decker. Vantreo Insurance Brokerage
Can dependents of dependents receive coverage?
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By directing owners to provide health insurance even though they may not be mandated to. "Small business owners who choose to provide health insurance may be eligible for a tax credit." Tax credits are only available through the exchanges, be sure your ag
How does an HR professional help small business owners attract and retain good employees and help facilitate tax breaks?
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January 1, 2014.
Source:http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/benefits/articles/pages/prepare-for-aca.aspx?homepage=mpc Source:http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/benefits/articles/pages/prepare-for-aca.aspx?homepage=mpc
When do many provisions of the ACA go into effect?
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"Bankruptcies resulting from unpaid medical bills will affect nearly 2 million people this year - making health care the No. 1 cause for..." bankruptcies.
Source: http://www.cnbc.com/id/100840148
Bankruptcies from medical bills effect how many people annually, in the US?
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60% of allowed charges and meets some minimum benefits standards, which are:
* ambulatory patient care * emergency services * hospitalization * maternity and newborn care * mental health and substance abuse disorder treatment * p
What makes an insurance plan "qualified" to be compliant wtih PPACA?
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They have to be added to your employer sponsored plan. Remember: If you are offered "qualified" and "affordable" health insurance through an employer, you do not qualify for a subsidy on the exchange.
Source: Healthcare Reform pamphlet, by Terry de Decke
I have health insurance through my employer. My dependents can be added. Do I have to add them to my employer sponsored plan or can I go through the exchange?
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Full time, part time, and seasonal. Use 2014 to "look back" and be sure you have your workers classified correctly.
Source: Healthcare Reform pamphlet, by Terry de Decker. Vantreo Insurance Brokerage
What are the classifications that HR professionals use to meet the standard measurement period (SMP) requirement?
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The primary reasons for Americans being uninsured are cost and job loss. In 2010 16% of uninsured were full-time workers or their dependents.
Source: http://obamacarefacts.com/obamacare-facts.php
What are the two major factors for people remaining uninsured?
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According to SHRM - 35%, HOWEVER; many insurance carriers are phasing out the grandfathered plans and due to the higher premiums employers are no longer able to offer them.
Source:http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/benefits/articles/pages/kff-survey-premi
Approximately what percentage of covered workers are already enrolled in grandfathered health plans?
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Plan is not to exceed 9.5% of employee's household income.
Source: Lussier, Robert N. and John R. Hendon. Human Resource Management: Functions, Applications, Skill Development. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc., 2013. Page 522
How is the "affordability" of a plan defined?
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Two or more firms with five or fewer owners collectively owning 80% shall be considered a single employer. "Common Control" rules apply on ownership (spouses and children are generally considered one owner.)! Consult your tax professional!
Source: Health
"Common Ownership"... What is it?
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Independent contractors!!!
BE SURE TO CLASSIFY CORRECTLY! Source:http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/benefits/articles/pages/prepare-for-aca.aspx?homepage=mpc
What other classification of workers will the IRS and the DOL will be focusing audits on?
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No. Health Care Reform has been a "hot topic" throughout American History
1934-1939 NHI and the New Deal 1945-1950 NHI and the Fair Deal 1960-1965 The Great Society: Medicare and Medicaid 1970-1974 Competing NHI Proposals 1976-1979 Cost-Containment Trumps
Is Obamacare really Obama's idea?
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$2,000 per FTE minus the first 30 FTEs.
Source: Lussier, Robert N. and John R. Hendon. Human Resource Management: Functions, Applications, Skill Development. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc., 2013. Page 521.
Starting 2014, what will the fines be to qualifying businesses that do not provide coverage to their employees?
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An employee working 30 hours a week PLUS the number of part time hours per month divided by 120. (30 hrs/wk X 4 wks).
Source: Lussier, Robert N. and John R. Hendon. Human Resource Management: Functions, Applications, Skill Development. Thousand Oaks: Sag
How does the PPACA define Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employees?
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"American Indians and Alaskan Natives are not required to purchase insurance, as most Americans are. There will be no penalty for American Indians or Alaskan Natives who do not have health insurance."
Source: Covered CA Fact Sheet: American Indians and A
I am an American Indian and my spouse is an Alaskan Native, what should I know about ACA?
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1. Be humble (you don't know everything)
2. Educate yourself 3. Develop and maintain outside professional relationships to have as your resources 4. Know how to say "I don't know, but I will find out." Source: Common knowledge success principles
What are an HR professional's "best practice" action steps regarding ACA?
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