Mandatory Health Exchange Notice

Health Care Reform has created new coverage options for individuals, known as Health Insurance Exchanges.  Individual states have the option of sponsoring their own Health Insurance Exchange.  For example, California has created its own state-based exchange called Covered California. For states that don’t sponsor their own exchange, ie: Arizona, individuals can access the federal government-sponsored health insurance exchange called, The Marketplace.

Employers are required to notify all employees of the availability of Health Insurance Exchanges by October 1, 2013.  Employers must comply with this whether or not they currently offer a health plan.

Here’s what you are required to do:

• Provide notice to current employees by October 1, 2013. For new employees, at time of hire.
• Fill out model notices (download forms in English and Spanish). For modifiable format (English only), click here.
• Forms are available for employers that offer a plan, and employers that do not offer a plan.
• Please note, information requested on page three of the notice for employers with plans is optional. 

If you have questions, please contact your account manager, broker, or Western Growers Insurance Services at 800-333-4WGA.