Last week we learned that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would not require compliance from businesses with more than 50 employees until 2015, one year behind the original planned inception. The ACA continues to evolve as the time for its implementation of the ACA draws near, with open enrollment for consumers scheduled to begin on October 1, 2013. Many folks are seeking answers to questions they have as to how this Act applies to them and how they must prepare.
With that said, here is a list of some of the information resources that are available:
Healthcare.gov – This is the federal government sponsored website that provides a user interactive for answering questions and thereby guiding a user through the “open enrollment” process. This interactive site can assemble a “customized check list” based on a user’s answers to questions. Additional help center information is available by phone or by online chat.
Health Reform Minnesota – Our state’s official source for health reform information, Health Reform Minnesota provides answers to frequently asked questions, plus specialized information for certain audiences and situations. This site provides information on general Minnesota policies and regulations as they relate to health, in addition to Minnesota’s role in implementation of the ACA.
MNSure – Organized to oversee Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace, MNSure is billed as “a new central marketplace where Minnesota individuals, families and small employers can get quality, affordable health insurance and access tax credits or assistance to help pay for coverage.” Much like the Minnesota Health Reform website (above), this site provides answers to common questions and directions to resources. Beginning on September 3, MNSure will operate a toll-free 1-800 number call center to answer questions for consumers.
MedlinePlus – A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus provides a huge page of news and information as it relates to health insurance. Numerous links to articles, organizations, and directories on the subject of health insurance are available here.
