Health Care Reform continues to be a highly debated topic. A recent New York Times/CBS News poll stated that 47% of their respondents still oppose the law, while just 36 % approve. At this point the biggest issue is the confusing mix of messages that are found in the media, on the internet, discussed at the water coolers, and shared among all Americans.
So who is responsible for getting out the correct message of health care reform and its impact on each individual?
The Government
It is true that the Government is responsible for writing the law, so it makes sense that they take responsibility for educating citizens about Health Care Reform and its Individual Mandates, the Marketplace Exchanges, changes to Medicare and Medicaid, and where to go to find the information needed to make an informed decision. However, most Americans don’t know where to go to find the right message provided by the IRS, the Department of Labor, or the Department of Health and Human Services.
Much of the information the US Government provides can be found at: www.healthcare.gov.
Insurance Advisors
As insurance consultants, it is our job to advise our clients on the most current information provided by the US Government. Unfortunately, to date, the progression of this law has been a moving target and difficult to monitor - with deadlines and reporting dates continuing to be postponed, and the parameters of compliance not being easily defined. However, as insurance professionals we continually make sure that we access the most current information, pushing this out through client communications, blogs, and tweets as soon as it is received.
Employers
With the looming penalties imposed for not offering benefits or not offering them in the correct manner, employers need to protect themselves by structuring their benefit plans accordingly. And they need to be able to educate their employees on the choices regarding the benefit programs being offered.
The Department of Labor recently released the approved Employer’s Exchange Notification that employers must give to all employees no later than October 1, 2013. This Notice is designed to give employees information on the insurance plans available to them through the workplace, as well as their rights for coverage through the Exchanges. More than ever before, employees are going to have to pay close attention to the information being provided to them by their employers.
Consumer
In general it is the consumers themselves that are perhaps the most uninformed. According to a recent US News blog, “the reality is that the health care reform law is extraordinarily complex. And consumers simply do not have the understanding or the tools to comply with the requirements that they obtain health insurance for 2014 or face financial penalties.”
Personal responsibility takes on a whole new meaning under Health Care Reform.
Health Care Reform promises health care for everyone once they complete all the required steps, yet most polls reveal a startling number of Americans that have little, if any, understanding about the impact that this law will have on their insurance coverage, taxes, or employer-sponsored programs. Individual Americans must take the responsibility to be educated on the impact this law has on each and every one of us.
- Ask questions.
- Visit websites of reputable insurance providers.
- Read the information provided to you by your employer.
- Check out the most recent information at www.healthcare.gov.
- In general, arm yourself with the knowledge you need about your rights and responsibilities for obtaining health care coverage.
The Kaiser Foundation has prepared a brief video which gives an introductory explanation:
The Caution:
With whatever source you reference to get information on your responsibilities under Health Care Reform, you must ensure what you are reading is the most current information released. Be certain to check the date on any publication you refer to, as updates are released on a regular basis. And make sure the information you’re referencing is from a trusted, reputable source.
