As Health Care Reform continues to unfold, Cottingham & Butler is here to help you understand the potential impact it has on your business and employee benefits program. Our Health Care Reform e-Watch is issued on a monthly basis, highlighting current news & events related to implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Proposed 2019 Notice of Benefit & Payment Parameters
HHS released its parameters for 2019 under the ACA for the 2019 benefit year. Under the proposed rule, the out-of-pocket maximum would increase for 2019 to $7,900 for self-only coverage and $15,800 for family coverage. HHS would like to encourage the use of high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) that can be paired with a health savings account (HSA).  Read More >>

Spending Resolution Affects ACA Taxes
To end government shut down on February 8, 2018, the short-term law signed by President Trump impacts three taxes and fees under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Specifically, the continuing resolutions:

• Delays implementation of the Cadillac tax on high-cost group health coverage until 2022;
• Provides an additional one-year moratorium on the health insurance provider’s fee for 2019 (although the fee continues to apply for 2018); and
• Extends the moratorium on the medical device excise tax for an additional two years, through 2019. Read More >>

Idaho Regulations Relax ACA Rules for Health Plans
Idaho is allowing carriers to sell non-Exchange health plans in the state that do not comply with certain ACA rules. Under this guidance, carriers may impose pre-existing condition exclusions in some circumstances. It is likely that this move will be challenged in court, due to questions surrounding its legality.  Read More >>