Verona Council Discusses 'Obamacare' Impact Monday

Verona's healthcare consultant Mark Ferrara addressed the Verona Township Council on Monday, May 6 about impending increases in healthcare costs, according to a published report Tuesday.

Ferrara and Verona Township Manager Joseph Martin discussed the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” and how it will pertain to the township and costs associated with the new law, according to NorthJersey.com.

"This law is about a revenue grab for the U.S. Government," said Ferrara. "There hasn't been a lot of language for municipalities, I can't give you more than that, but there's nothing that says you are not subject to these taxes."

Ferrara said there are about 300 people covered under the Verona healthcare program. In January 2014, a reinsurance fee for plans will add $63 per covered life, including spouses and children. With the 300 covered employees, the fee will increase between $17,000 and $19,000 per year, according to the report.

To combat these costs Verona has been exploring wellness programs for employees but Ferrara said he thinks it will take 25 to 30 years before these programs could be implemented.