Patch Blog: It's The End Of The World As We Know It

And I Feel Fine.

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I know Michael Stipe didn't have Healthcare Reform in mind when he penned that ironically appropriate couplet nearly thirty years ago. Even so, the sentiment may serve us well now.

Whatever your philosophical take on "Obamacare" it is now the law of the land. "Hurray" or "Deal With It" as the case may be. The reality is that the landscape has changed. It's no longer your Father's health care system. The game has changed.

Exclusions for pre-existing conditions kids have already been eliminated. By 2014 no one will be subject to pre-existing conditions exclusions. Same for medical underwriting. If you apply, you'll be covered. That's not a philosopical statement. That's the law.

States have until 11/12 to either pledge to set up their own Insurance Exchange or say they'd prefer to participate in the Federal version Insurance companies have to dermine by 8/12 if they need to rebate premiums to policy holders under the new Exclusion Ratio rules. Individuals will be required to participate.

Employers have new mandates and compliance requirements. W-2s will now have to report the amount of the employer contribution to health insurance. HSA account contributions will now be limited to $2,500 per year.  

I feel it would be in everyone's interest to set aside the rhetoric and get educated on the impact. Pariticularly if you are a small business owner.

I'll end with Disney: It's a whole new world.