The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of federal health care reform last summer, and following the re-election of the president, additional guidance has been released on the next steps for federal health care reform.  Here’s what you will see that’s new this year:

W-2 for 2012:  If you are an employee of the state, or of an agency or municipality of at least 250 employees, you will see the value of your employer’s and your own contribution to health insurance coverage displayed in Box 12.  This amount will continue to be excluded from an employee's income and will not be taxed.

Summary of Benefits and Coverage:  Before annual enrollment members will receive a new document for their existing plan called a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) if their plan will still be offered the following year.  This SBC provides a summary of the plans’ benefits, exclusions and cost-sharing requirements.  Your GIC Benefit Decision Guide and the annual enrollment letter you receive at home will give you the location on our website where SBCs will be available for all of the GIC’s health plans.

Notice of Exchanges:  Regulations requiring employers to explain health care exchange options to employees have not yet been released; we will send you more information when more details are known.

You will continue to enjoy federal health care reform benefits already in effect:

  • Coverage of dependent children up to the age of 26; and
  • No cost sharing (copays and deductibles) for certain preventive care services, such as mammograms, scheduled immunizations, routine OB/GYN visits and physicals.

You will also receive a 1099-HC form from your health plan so you can report on your Massachusetts taxes that you have met the minimum health insurance requirements of the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law.

This information provided by the Group Insurance Commission.