Many business owners are confused on what changes they need to make now to their health care coverage for their employees.

Beginning in 2010, there is a minimum health care plan standard for benefits provided. All employers must provide the following coverage by the year 2013 or they will face penalties for not having a qualified health plan.

 Ambulatory patient services

Emergency services

Hospitalization

Maternity and newborn care

Mental health and substance use disorder services

Prescription drugs

Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices

Laboratory services and preventive and wellness services

Pediatric services (including oral and vision care)

For existing plans to qualify for continuance, they must meet these minimum benefits. If you have any questions if your current coverage meets the new government standards contact your insurance representative or our office. There are more changes coming because of this new law so you will need to include the costs of this coverage for all of the employees on your payroll, including most of your part-time people, in your financial forecast/budget. We assist small business owners with planning and creating a forecast/budget.