As we get closer towards January, “Obamacare” is all but a reality. This reality has
the government trying to organize a way of getting the word out and educating the public as
to how health insurance will change. The group which is being targeted the most is the
segment of the population which is uninsured, this group accounts for 15.7% (based on
2011 Census). Due to this large number, the federal government has many nonprofit
organizations which will be helping the uninsured choose a correct plan for them.
                The healthcare system isn’t easy to understand as it is and asking thousands of
healthcare guides/volunteers to understand the laws, concepts and each person’s
individual history will be very challenging. This challenge is due to create many headaches
in the weeks (or months) ahead especially with politics trumping the actual process that
these healthcare guides will have to deal with.

            A warning is coming out of Kansas State University in regards to the Affordable Care Act. The warning is to let consumers know that there are many confusing websites with the sole intent of collecting personal information. The website which is the most reliable is www.healthcare.gov.
There are useful tips that you can take in order to keep yourself safe. These are:
1. Not to share financial information
2. Not to send cash to anyone.
3. No decisions that are to be immediate.
4. Know who is wanting your information.

             Not only is the Affordable Care Act changing the way people go about health care but it is also changing the way that pharmacies go about health care as well. The Affordable Care Act is
going to attract huge demand and pharmacy companies are looking to of filling some of it. Their
plan is to create a retail health clinic within their stores as well creating partnerships with medical
groups.
             The main three chains (Walgreens, CVS, RiteAid) are trying to become the hub for all of the consumers prescriptions and are trying to become a place where other diseases can be managed including diabetes. These three companies have to thank their lobbying efforts at the federal and state levels for the increased demand that is about to begin thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
http://www.latimes.com/business/lafihiltzik20130922,0,2408532.
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According to an article from Consumer Reports there are four big changes that are going to be
happening to health care (Obamacare).
Starting January 1st:
1. Preexisting
medical conditions won’t keep people from being insured by a medical provider.
2. Practically all legal residents of the U.S. will have some type of health insurance.
3. If you remain uninsured you will pay a fine come income tax time.
4. Low and moderate income homes will receive financial help in the form of tax credits that can
be used immediately in order to pay the cost of premiums.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2013/09/importantdatesfornewhealthlaw/
index.ht
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A large amount of small businesses will be affected by the health care reform that will go into
effect on January 1st.
According to this Forbes article
http://www.forbes.com/sites/thesba/2013/09/26/whatsmallbusinessesneedtoknowabouthea
lthcarereform/
print/ there are 5 essential things that small businesses should know:
1. Exchanges aren’t the only option
Exchanges do provide a way to purchase insurance but it isn’t necessarily the best one. There
is also the option of looking into the private market.
2. Make sure the broker representing you is appointed on the exchange.
3. Understand the coverage, Streamline your service and Execute your strategy. U.S.E.
Understand your plan in comparison to others as well as understanding the pricing structure.
Streamlining allows you to have a closer look at employee benefits in the way in which they
comply. Employee health care information requires only one company to work with you as
opposed to many therefore making it easier to manage.
Know that your broker and yourself are on the same page in regards to costs, coverage and
helping you execute your health care plan.
4. Ensuring compliance
Making sure your broker and payroll company are on top of compliance is huge. If you offer
health plans which aren’t in compliance you run the risk of being fined or penalized.
5. Analyze the full insurance program
Make sure that all information is correct and compliant. Your broker and yourself should look and
make sure that the details of the plan are understood as well.