ACA Update: Employee Notification of Public Exchange Plans

We’ve been getting questions from employers and agents alike about the Affordable Care Act requirement that, beginning March 1, 2013, makes employers responsible for educating their employees about public exchange plan options. The requirement applies to employers in general, whether using a fully insured or self-funded health plan.

This week the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued an FAQ delaying the enforcement date because specific exchange information is simply not available yet/ In their notice, DOL stated the new date for informing employees will likely be late summer or fall 2013, to coincide with the Open Enrollment Period for exchanges.

We will keep you aware of developments in this employer requirement.

Reminder: January 31 Deadline Approaches for State of Illinois Employees & Retirees

Most State employees and retirees don’t have to do anything to keep their Health Alliance coverage. However, those with Health Alliance Illinois coverage (Carrier Code BS) who live or work in these counties received letters from the State explaining the January 31, 2013, deadline and their options for coverage beginning February 1, 2013:

• Adams,
• Alexander
• Brown
• Cass
• Clark
• Clay
• Crawford
• DeKalb
• Edgar
• Edwards
• Greene
• Hamilton
• Hancock
• Jefferson
• Jersey
• Lawrence
• Macon
• Macoupin
• Marion
• Massac
• Pike
• Pope
• Pulaski
• Richland
• Schuyler
• Scott
• Wabash
• Wayne
• White

To stay with us, affected employees and retirees have 1 week to select Health Alliance HMO (Carrier Code AH). Here’s what they need to do:

• Complete the Special Enrollment form that came with the notification letter they received from the State of Illinois.
• Return the completed and signed form to their Group Insurance Representative (GIR) no later than January 31.
• Visit HealthAlliance.org/StateFAQ for more information.

If they don’t make a decision by January 31, those in affected counties will default to the State’s Quality Care plan and pay higher premiums.

Error in Group Medicare Plans At a Glance Brochure

Recently, we found an error in the electronic version of this brochure at Your Health Alliance on the Forms and Resources page. On page 6, our PDP Option 2 plan description incorrectly listed copayments for Tier 1 drugs at $20, Tier 2 at $40, and Tier 3 at $40. The copayments amounts are actually $15, $30, and $30.

If you’ve saved an electronic copy of this sales piece, please check to make sure it is correct. The website has been updated with a corrected version and printed copies are available for ordering.