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DOL Releases Model Notice and Guidance on PPACA’s Exchange Notice Requirement

On May 8, 2013, the DOL issued Technical Release No. 2013-02, which includes temporary guidance and a model notice relating to the notice to employees of coverage option (known as the “Exchange Notice”) requirement under PPACA. As background, PPACA requires employers subject to the FLSA to provide each employee with a written notice that describes information about the state health insurance exchanges (also referred to as “marketplaces”), including the availability of premium tax credits and the implications relating to purchasing coverage through the exchanges.

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Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCOR)

Under health care reform, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), a new nonprofit corporation was established, the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCOR). This corporation will be funded in part by PCOR/CER (Comparative Effectiveness Research) fees paid by certain health insurance issuers or plan sponsors of applicable self-insured health plans. Please note that Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) are categorized as self-insured health plans and are therefore subject to this fee unless, in rare occasions, it is determined to be an excepted benefit (i.e. for vision and dental expenses only).

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The ACA – What you need to do NOW

By Robert J. Lowe

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act includes many requirements applicable to employer group health plans. Some of these requirements are already effective but some of the most significant requirements will become effective in 2014. Employers should now be considering what they need to do to comply with ACA requirements that will become effective in 2014.

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