Now that the health reform bill has become health reform law, what happens next?
While there are several punch list items from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 that will need immediate attention, the changes causing the most headlines won’t take place for several years. However, savvy HR and benefits executives already are looking closely at the possible ramifications of the 2,000-page bill to see how their companies will be impacted.
That focus was evident last month when Doug Field and Associate Publisher Brent Macy attended the Benefits Selling Expo. Questions about the impact of the health care law were on the minds and tongues of benefits brokers, agents, consultants, and providers as everyone figures out what to do next.
At CDHC Solutions, we’ve already taken several steps to help guide you through this process. Shortly after President Obama signed the legislation, we launched a new Health Care Consumerism community where we are posting the latest news and information about this important topic. And as always, you are invited to contribute to the discussion. Ask a question, post a blog, contribute thought leadership about the new rise in consumerism.
p>We’ve also introduced a new department, Ask Your Broker, that will address questions employers should be asking their brokers about a hot topic in consumer-directed health care. This month, Norman Meullen, president of Benefits Retain People, looks at the immediate effect of the health care law and how employers (with the help of their brokers and/or consultants) should be addressing the first wave of issues.In his health care consumerism column, CDHC Solutions Editorial Advisory Board Chairman Ron Bachman argues that the impact of consumerism will far outweigh any changes that ObamaCare will bring. And Kevin McKechnie, director of the HSA Council, offers a mea culpa to a previous column about the impact of health care reform on HSAs.
Our feature story on self-funded plans includes a wealth of information from Gilsbar Inc. about the past, present, and future of consumer-directed health plans.
Finally, CDHC Solutions is proud to present a one-day Forum around all aspects of consumer-directed health care, set for Sept. 9 at Atlanta’s Cobb Galleria Centre. Whether you’re a CDHC veteran looking to tweak a plan or a neophyte looking to learn more, Forum is the place for you. Early bird registration is in effect, so visit www.cdhcsolutionsforum. com to learn more.
Bookmark www.CDHCSolutionsmag.com and visit it often for the news, practical tips, and peer-to-peer communications you need to make the most of your health care dollars.
Sincerely,
