Healthcare reform is a reality, with both the House and Senate recently passing different bills. Now, the President and a committee from each of the legislative bodies now have the task to reconcile the two bills before it’s signed into law.

Healthcare reform has been considered for many years because the number of U.S. citizens who can afford good health care is decreasing. As medical and pharmaceutical costs continue to climb, so does the cost to employers offering heath insurance to employees. Consequently, many employers have discontinued health care coverage, or reduced the services covered to save money.

What is the impact of reform? Most U.S. employers will be compelled to offer health insurance to employees or face a fine. Even self-employed workers are required to carry health insurance. The cost and whether an employer qualifies as a firm required to provide insurance for employees is still to be determined.

The bottom line is all U.S. workers will be covered under health insurance—whether it’s a private plan or the “less expensive” government plan.

What about my current health plan?

Employers will have the choice of carriers. If your employer opts to keep your current insurer, you will be able to keep your coverage and doctors under that plan.

If your employer decides to switch to the government plan, you may have to switch providers.

Will my deductibles and co-pays change under the new law?

The idea behind the new law was to make health care more affordable for individuals and employers. The new law probably will not increase co-pays and deductibles immediately.

I have a pre-existing condition. How will healthcare reform handle that?

Under the new law, you can not be denied health coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

How a human resources firm can help

Insurance coverage and health care reform are complicated issues. If you are an employer who needs guidance on how to integrate the changes in the new law, a local human resources specialist can help.

Human resources firms will have a greater understanding of how to make certain that employers can prepare for the coming reform, comply with the legislation and avoid fines due to non-compliance.

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