The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010.  It was amended shortly thereafter by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Since then, various governmental agencies have issued rules further defining how the Act is to be implemented. Guidance is critical in order for employers, providers and others to be in compliance with the law. Provisions of the Act are extensive, affecting insurance coverage, taxation, reimbursement schedules and much more.

Portions of the law have already taken effect, while other changes will be implemented through 2014 and beyond. There are numerous rules and provisions, which have the greatest impact on employers. We encourage you to work with your dedicated benefits consultant to assess how your employee benefits program will be impacted by health care reform.

Bukaty Companies has been an area leader in advancing education and understanding of health care reform for our clients. Our primary means of communication is our Health Care Reform Bulletin – the first of which was written within days of passage of the initial legislation. Since then, Health Care Reform Bulletins have been issued as interim regulations are released. Additionally, Bukaty Companies published Health Care Reform – An Employer’s Guide to provide a comprehensive overview of health care to date.

The Health Care Reform Guide includes communication on:

• Coverage mandates
• Preventive care
• Grandfathered plans and model notices
• Internal/external appeals process
• Tax provisions
• Self-insured checklist
• Small business tax credits
• Additional Information (nursing mother provisions, W-2 reporting) 

To view a complete implementation timeline, visit http://healthreform.kff.org/timeline.aspx