Health Care Reform Questions #3

How do I keep my grandfathered group plan?

Employer groups can keep their current policy on a grandfathered basis only if plan changes made are to add or delete new employees or new dependents. Another exception is made for employers that have scheduled plan changes as a result of a collective bargaining agreement.

When will the elimination of lifetime limits be in force? Does this apply to self-insured groups?

Lifetime limits on the dollar value of essential benefits is prohibited by current law beginning plan years after September 23, 2010. This applies to all fully insured, self-insured, and individual plans.

If an employer offers more than one health plan, on which plan is the voucher based?

Lifetime limits on the dollar value of essential benefits is prohibited by current law beginning plan years after September 23, 2010. This applies to all fully insured, self-insured, and individual plans.

Does the auto enroll apply to employees only?

Groups of more than 200 full-time employees are required to automatically enroll employees as they become eligible in a health care plan and provide notice of the opportunity to opt-out of such coverage if they choose to do so.

If you have any questions, please fee free to contact Mike Grinnell, Vice President of Employee Benefits, at any time. Mike's phone number is 315-453-2168. His e-mail address is mgrinnell@haylor.com.