Posted by Dinah on June 28, 2012, at 16:11:03
In reply to Re: Welcome USA To Socialism Healthcare Bill Passed, posted by novelagent on June 28, 2012, at 15:37:16
> You're lucky, but many mentally ill people aren't, and you must feel something for them. I hope it's not hatred.
Where on EARTH did you get the idea of hatred? Because I'm not gung ho about the law? You either have to adore Obamacare or you're suspected of hatred?
It so happens that I object to balancing a very small part of the ginormous (although IMO underestimated) cost of this bill by decreasing the deductible medical expense to the amount over 10% of income, rather than 7.5% as it is now, and by decreasing FSA's (which are rarely used at over 2,500 by anyone who doesn't have a chronic medical condition). I'm also very skeptical of some of the other revenue raising measures in the bill. I also fear unintended consequences. Things often sound good, but have unintended consequences.
Both plans required businesses to provide insurance. The Massachusetts plan requires businesses employing over ten employees to pay a "Fair Share Contribution" or pay a relatively low penalty. They are required to offer an insurance policy to be paid from pre-tax dollars. But the fair share, as I understand it, is 33% of the cost.
The fair and reasonable contribution tests for employers are:
Percentage of Full-Time Employees Enrolled: At least 25% of your full-time employeessare enrolled in your health insurance plan, and you are making a financial contribution to that plan.
Premium Contribution Standard: You provide at least 33% of the premium cost of the individual health insurance plan offered to your full-time employees.Employers of 50 or fewer FTEs only need to meet one of these tests to avoid the Fair Share Contribution.
Employers of 50 or more FTEs must meet both tests.
This is from the MA Health Connector site, which apparently has a very long URL, but you should be able to google it.
How does this compare with the federal requirement? Is the cost to employers more onerous? Is it greater than 33%? If so, is it a good comparison? 33% is good. Pretax is good. But I daresay that some employees would find the cost prohibitive.
I've learned my fears from more than one business consultant sharing what they're advising their clients to do. And what they've already done themselves. FWIW.
poster:Dinah
thread:1020322
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120608/msgs/1020344.html