ACA and health care reform resources

The Affordable Care Act (also known as ACA or “Obamacare”) is a comprehensive reform law, enacted in 2010, that increases health insurance coverage for the uninsured and implements reforms to the health insurance market. Under the ACA, patients who may have been unable to get insurance due to a preexisting condition or lack of funds can purchase affordable health plans through the health insurance marketplace (exchange) in their state.

To help ensure consumers are receiving value for their premium dollars, the ACA also introduces new coverage and annual reporting requirements for applicable employers and health insurers.

The information on this page can help you learn more about the changes in health care reform and what the ACA means for you as an employer.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us to ask questions and get information that relates directly to your unique situation.

• Essential health benefits fast facts (PDF) – Learn about the 10 categories of essential health benefits (EHBs), as well as cost-sharing and out-of-pocket limits.
• Routine preventive care EHB (PDF) – Review the ACA’s guidelines for routine preventive services and the clinician committees that helped influence the final rules.
• Pediatric dental EHB (PDF) – Find out the difference between rules for pediatric dental purchases on versus off exchanges.

• Employer reporting mandate fast facts (PDF) – A quick guide to 6055 and 6056 reporting requirements, who’s responsible for reporting and when they need to be completed.
• Employer reporting 6055 and 6056 ACA requirements (PDF) – A more detailed look at the two types of requirements and whom they impact.

For more information, visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) .

• Small business guide (PDF) – An overview of how the ACA changed health insurance for small groups.
• Adjusted community ratings (PDF) – Health care reform brought a new rating system to determine premiums for members of small groups buying insurance on and off exchanges. Learn how adjusted community ratings affect you.

For more information, visit HealthCare.gov .

• Employer shared responsibility guide (PDF) – What is employer shared responsibility and what does it mean for you? Get an overview of minimum value, affordability and implications for seasonal employees.
• 90-day waiting period guide (PDF) – Get a summary of the final rules for waiting periods for employer-sponsored coverage.
• Special enrollment period guide (PDF) – Find out what a special enrollment period (SEP) is and when employees qualify.