What you might not know about the PPACA

Yes, you have probably heard about the individual mandate – tax. And, you may know about Medicaid (MediCal) expansion, free birth control, and the exchanges.
Here are some of the lesser known effects of the law.

1) Domestic violence help - Health care reform brings attention to a subject that usually doesn’t get much. As of Aug. 1, 2012, the law requires that all insurance plans cover screening and counseling for domestic abuse, a provision found under preventive services for women’s health. (The other women’s health benefits are more widely known and include contraceptives and routine breast and pelvic exams, pap tests and prenatal care). The law also will prevent domestic violence from being considered a “preexisting condition.”

2) Fake tanners will pay - This really has been a hot-button issue, so to speak: Since July 1, 2010, Jersey Shore wannabes have had to pay a 10 percent tax every time they visit an indoor tanning service.

3) Smokers need not apply? - Under a provision of the law, smokers can be charged up to 50 percent more than nonsmokers for health insurance beginning in 2014. Regulations now allow companies to require workers who fail to meet specific standards to pay up to 20 percent of their insurance costs.

4) Breastfeeding support - The provision states employers shall provide reasonable, unpaid break time and a private, non-bathroom location for an employee to express breast milk for her nursing child for up to one year after the child’s birth. Employers with fewer than 50 employees are excluded if it would cause “undue hardship.”

5) Caloric reality - The law requires restaurants with 20 or more locations to list calorie counts on menus, menu boards and even drive-thrus. The entire nutrition label also would have to be available in writing upon request.

6) Mental health focus - PPACA mandates coverage parity, putting mental health treatment on par with medical care, which means deductibles; copayments and doctor visits can’t be more restrictive for mental illnesses than medical and surgical coverage.

7) A pricier pizza - Papa John’s CEO John Schnatter got national attention in August when he said that health reform will cause consumers to pay more for their pizza. He estimates that the law will cost 11 to 14 cents more per pizza, or 15 to 20 cents per order. That’s because under PPACA, the company will have to offer health care coverage to more of its 16,500 total employees or pay a penalty to the government. The National Restaurant Association said the law could adversely affect restaurants’ ability to maintain already slim profit margins because it requires companies of more than 50 employees to provide affordable health insurance.

8) Your FSA (Flexible Spending Account) - A popular consumer-driven health care tactic is also changing because of the PPACA. As of Jan. 1, 2011, flexible spending accounts may no longer be used to purchase over-the-counter drugs or medicines. But the most significant change to FSAs under the law will be the implementation of the $2,500 cap on health care FSA contributions beginning in 2013. Previously there was no cap.

The information in this blog was gathered from an October 1, 2012 on-line article in benefitspro.com. Click Here to review the complete article.