A new year means that new provisions of the Affordable Care Act will be enacted
The new year has arrived and that means that there will be more changes to the United State’s health care system. The new year means that more provisions of the Affordable Care Act will become active, which could be beneficial for some consumers, but somewhat difficult for businesses to cope with. This year, employers will have to adhere to new health insurance regulations. Consumers will also face some tax changes, as they will now be required to inform the Internal Revenue Service about their insurance status when filing taxes.
Supreme Court ruling could have an impact on the subsidies that some consumers receive
At some point in 2015, the Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling on the tax credits that consumers receive for their health insurance coverage. This ruling will be focused on the subsidies provided by states that do not manage their own insurance exchange. Some 39 states opted to allow the federal government to build and operate their exchanges and it is estimated that the majority of those receiving coverage through these exchanges are also receiving subsidies from the government. The ruling from the Supreme Court could change the way these subsidies are rewarded to consumers.
Businesses will have to adhere to health insurance requirements
Businesses will also have to change the way they manage insurance coverage for their employees. Employers with more than 100 full-time workers are now required to offer their employees health insurance coverage. Businesses that do not offer coverage to at least 70% of their eligible workforce will face penalties from the federal government. In 2016, this standard will be increased to 95%. Businesses can find health care plans for their workers through a special insurance exchange set up by the federal government.
Confusion continues to linger around the Affordable Care Act
Though the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010, there is still a great deal of confusion concerning the law and its various provisions. Many people are still unhappy about the law as a whole. According to a recent Gallup poll, 27% of Americans believe that the provisions of the law have harmed their families and themselves. Approximately 16% of consumers claimed that the law has helped them.
