Is Your Business Ready for the Health Care Reform

A significant challenge to employers of all sizes in 2013 is the transformation of health care in the United States. In recent years, the cost of health coverage has increased far faster than wages. Now in light of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), employers will soon face even greater cost increases as well as complex and time-consuming compliance requirements. Because this is new territory, significant gaps and inconsistencies exist in the guidance issued by multiple federal agencies. The law also contains substantial penalties for noncompliance.

Companies are now faced with changing the way they do business in response to this changing landscape. Many employers will consider additional training or hiring of internal staff just to ensure compliance with mandated benefit arrangements as well as the enhanced reporting and disclosure requirements. In addition, some employers are contemplating having more part-time employees and/or more leased employees, while others are contemplating dropping health coverage altogether. Decision-making must contemplate a variety of factors including what competitors may be doing, whether employees will have access to health care through other sources including government-subsidized exchanges, and whether options exist to permit the employer to offer health coverage on a cost effective basis. Is your business prepared to interpret the law and make the best decisions in addressing the health care challenges that will soon be upon us? Are there solutions that achieve employer goals without breaking the bank? 

The Cedarburg, Grafton, Mequon, and Port Washington Chambers of Commerce have partnered with Ozaukee Economic Development to present a forum addressing the impact of Health Care Reform legislation upon the business community. The featured speakers will be Charles P. Stevens, Partner, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, and Randall B. Marking, Principal Owner, Innovative Benefits Solutions.

 

 

The forum is set to take place at the Concordia University Wisconsin Todd Wehr Auditorium, on Tuesday, May 14. The program will begin at 8:30am and end at approximately 10:30am. A light continental breakfast will be served. The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required as space is limited. To register, contact any of the Ozaukee County chambers of Commerce prior to May 1.