Many small business owners are concerned about health insurances changes in 2016. The Affordable Care Act was slowly implemented so employers could adjust and prepare. Initially, the Act required employers with at least 50 employees to offer health insurance by January 2014. Along the way, the government gave employers a reprieve to start the program. In 2015, employers with more than 100 employees had to offer coverage to 70 percent of their workers. Further, the Act mandates what health care coverage can be offered. However, the reprieve continued for smaller businesses.
This will change in 2016. All employers with more than 50 employees must offer coverage to 95 percent of their workforce. Business owners with questions about Obama Health Plans in Warner Robins GA should Browse the website of Stone Benefits. Agencies provide many services including reviewing current health care plans. They will make sure the plan meets the Act’s requirements. Additionally, the agency helps introduce new coverage to employees. Owners that fail to comply with Obama Health Plans in Warner Robins GA face stiff penalties. The penalty will be $695 for adults and a family maximum of $2,085.
Additionally, agencies help find affordable, qualifying plans for businesses. Qualifying plans must include certain coverage including ambulatory patient services. Simply, this means doctor visits and other outpatient care. Employees must also be covered for hospitalization and emergency room visits. Further, maternity and newborn care must be available. And, all plans must cover one drug in each class and category of approved U.S. medications.
One of the pluses of the Act is the limit on how much an owner’s premium can increase each year. Interestingly, some businesses could have lower premiums than before the Act. This is because insurers cannot tack on extra charges for patients with chronic illnesses. Likewise, the business gets tax credits for several years for offering coverage. The Affordable Care Act may help employers get better employees. Formerly, people were drawn to larger businesses because of benefits. Now, everyone has access to quality coverage. Hopefully, the Act results in healthier employees which means fewer days lost to preventable illnesses. Contact Stone Insurance Agency for more information.
