How does the Supreme Court Ruling Impact the Affordable Care Act?

On November 26, 2013, the Supreme Court agreed to hear two cases that involve for-profit corporations. The Court agreed to hear a case from the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby, an Oklahoma-based chain of craft stores owned by a Christian family who claim that the contraceptive coverage requirement violates their company’s religious freedom. The Court also agreed to hear a case from the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled against the corporation and its owners, finding that Conestoga Wood Specialties, a cabinet manufacturer, does not have religious rights.

The Supreme Court determined that for-profit corporations have protections under the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). In its June, 2014 ruling the Supreme Court of the United States determined that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) violated RFRA  interpreting the “employer” as a “person” capable of religious belief. The Court also determined that the owners rights were violated by a government regulation imposed on the corporation. 

The legal entity of a corporation is broadly defined as a “person” and therefore have First Amendment rights. The Supreme Court ruled that the government did not meet its healthcare mandate in the least restrictive way. The future implications to this ruling are broad and could lead to future challenges with broadened ramifications for civil rights protections in the workplace. Currently, an employer can be fined if they do not offer affordable health coverage with the 12 essential benefits as stipulated in the Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA). There are currently over 40 cases pending which challenge the Act. Small employers with less than 50 full time equivalent employees are exempt from the ACA. Large employers will start to receive penalties for non-compliance beginning in 2015.

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation, http://kff.org

© Carmen Coleman, President and CEO

Lifetime Financial Group, LLC
30 W. Broad Street, Suite 300

Rochester, NY 14614

(585)325-2525                                                                                                                                                      

Understanding the Afordable Care Act

Open enrollment for the New York State Health Exchange begins October 1, 2013. Coverage begins January 1, 2014. The Health Insurance Marketplace will help you get affordable health insurance that meets your needs and fits your budget. The Affordable Care Act has made it possible to get lower cost insurance even if you have a pre-existing condition. Specially trained Navigators will be available to assist you in enrolling starting in October. New York State residents must enroll through the New York Health Benefit Exchange at http://www.healthbenefitexchange.ny.gov/.

You can get help enrolling by calling (585) 325-2525 or online via web chat at www.healthcare.gov or www.cuidadosalud.gov. In October you can get in person help from a Navigator. On the exchange, you can compare plan choices based on price, provider network, or quality score. Before selecting a plan, insure that your current physicians are a part of the plan and that all of your medications are included in the formulary.

All health insurance options will offer a comprehensive array of services. Preventative services will be offered at no cost to you. You will not be denied health insurance on the basis of a pre-existing medical condition.

If you earn less than $45,960 as an individual or $94,200 for a family of 4, you may be eligible for financial assistance to make coverage affordable. A Family of four with less than $24,000 in income, will receive Medicaid. Individuals opting out of the Program will receive a $95 penalty. The President has delayed the enforcement of the mandate for large employers for 12 months. In most states, if your income is between $24,000 and $96,000 you will quality for a subsidy.

There are four levels of coverage being offered: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. In order to qualify for the tax credits, you must be in enrolled in at least a Silver Plan. Bronze plans will not receive tax credits.

Lifetime Financial Group will host a FREE Seminar to cover details of the Affordable Care Act. Click here for details and to register.

© Carmen Coleman, President and CEO

Lifetime Financial Group, LLC
30 W. Broad Street, Suite 300

Rochester, NY 14614

(585)325-2525