A Delay In Play (or Pay) – The News Isn’t As Good As You May Think

The Obama administration announced that it is postponing the requirement that employers provide employees robust, affordable health plans; also known as “pay or play.” You may think that this is good news… It’s another year to consider options, prepare funds, and study the intricacies of PPACA. DON’T BE FOOLED!

Regulatory officials have stated that the delay was prompted by so-called “compliance complexity concerns.” Employers have attacked the rule from every angle; targeting unrealistic expectations, costs, and difficulties in reporting. In addition, many employers have threatened to “trim” their employment rosters. Employers with fewer than 50 employees (or full-time equivalent employees) are exempt from the rule. It should have come as no surprise, then, that some employers were going to cut employees’ hours or terminate staff, dropping below 50 lives. With all of this in mind, the administration – “thankfully” – pulled back on the reins. Great news, right? Wrong!

At The Phia Group, we hope for the best but plan for the worst. For the following reasons, now is not the time to disregard cost containment efforts.