Covered California
California was the first state to create a health benefit exchange following the passage of federal health care law. Covered California is charged with creating a new insurance marketplace in which individuals and small businesses can get access to health insurance. With coverage starting in 2014, Covered California will help individuals compare and choose a health plan that works best for their health needs and budget.
To view the full booklet detailing Covered California, click here: CC Health Plans Booklet
A 3-page press release is available here: COVERED CA-HealthPlans
The high-level presentation is available here: Covered California HP Announcement
Model Notice
Per the PPACA, employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are required to provide a notice to employees about the state’s health insurance exchanges. Originally, the deadline for offering the exchange notice was March 1, 2013. However, on May 8, 2013, the Department of Labor issued a technical release extending the date to October 1, 2013.
The notice must be provided in writing in a manner calculated to be understood by the average employee. It may be provided by first-class mail. Alternatively, it may be provided electronfically if the requirements of the Department of Labor’s electronic disclosure safe harbor at 29 CFR 2520.104b-1 are met.
There is no requirement to obtain an employee’s signature; however, an employer may want to track delivery and receipt of the notice.
The model notice is available here: Model Notice
