Oct. 1 is deadline for Affordable Care Act notice to employees

MOSES LAKE — All employers must notify all full-time and part-time employees by Tuesday, Oct. 1 of the newly formed state healthcare exchange, the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce reminded businesses in a recent announcement. 

This includes all businesses, regardless of size, and if they do or do not offer health coverage.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, small business employees and employers will have access to the Health Insurance Marketplace, a private health insurance market that offers “one-stop shopping” to affordable and competitive healthcare, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Enrollment for health insurance coverage through the Marketplace begins Oct. 1, 2013. A new Fair Labor Standards Act requires a notice be sent by employers to all employees regarding coverage options available through the Marketplace. 

If you have questions regarding the healthcare exchange, Chamber President Debbie Doran-Martinez suggests businesses contact their insurance agent and/or accountant for more information.

For more information about the Affordable Care Act, visit www.dol.gov/ebsa/healthreform/.

To keep up to date on healthcare news, pick up the next edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.

— Staff report