- 3,384
Ok, I just got off of the phone with Anthem regarding what was posted in another thread about the possible impact of the 65% subsidy pertaining to state mini-COBRA programs.
It is currently being reviewed by legal at the CA carriers (and I am sure other states) and as of yet the actual impact is not known. It may in fact be that state laws are going to be circumnavigated by the federal government and imposition of such a subsidy might happen even in 3-person group plans. Since the employer is completely out of the loop on mini-COBRA state continuation, who exactly is going to be responsible for the 65% subsidy, the carrier? What if a state has no mini-COBRA program, will they have to start one?
Secondly, apparently notification letters have begun being sent out and Anthem has gotten a significant number of calls already from people wanting "their 65%". They don't even know what it is but sure enough, they want their damned money!
Does the termulus bill have any provision in it for penalty if a group does not offer health insurance coverage? If not, the carriers at least in CA expect to see a "significant" reduction in group health plans once the interpretation of this bill is complete. Those hit hardest will undoubtedly by small business under 50 employees who will not be able to afford the cost of subsidy against some bogus tax credits. If no one is going to ding their payroll in lieu of offering, I expect many will just dump it and move on. Anthem says they are seeing many groups dumping right now with the principals going onto IFP.
I swear I saw a movie like this with Jack Nicholson and some big Indian guy!
Maybe they should hire this guy:
It is currently being reviewed by legal at the CA carriers (and I am sure other states) and as of yet the actual impact is not known. It may in fact be that state laws are going to be circumnavigated by the federal government and imposition of such a subsidy might happen even in 3-person group plans. Since the employer is completely out of the loop on mini-COBRA state continuation, who exactly is going to be responsible for the 65% subsidy, the carrier? What if a state has no mini-COBRA program, will they have to start one?
Secondly, apparently notification letters have begun being sent out and Anthem has gotten a significant number of calls already from people wanting "their 65%". They don't even know what it is but sure enough, they want their damned money!
Does the termulus bill have any provision in it for penalty if a group does not offer health insurance coverage? If not, the carriers at least in CA expect to see a "significant" reduction in group health plans once the interpretation of this bill is complete. Those hit hardest will undoubtedly by small business under 50 employees who will not be able to afford the cost of subsidy against some bogus tax credits. If no one is going to ding their payroll in lieu of offering, I expect many will just dump it and move on. Anthem says they are seeing many groups dumping right now with the principals going onto IFP.
I swear I saw a movie like this with Jack Nicholson and some big Indian guy!
Maybe they should hire this guy:
Last edited by a moderator: