As the next phase of open enrollment approaches under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers have announced a series of live webinars launching this fall to assist business owners.
As part of its Small Business Health Care Advisory Council, the SBDC has partnered with legal, employee benefits and tax experts to develop business-focused ACA presentations specifically for small firms. Confirmed speakers include: Jessica Dunlap, CPA, The Catanese Group, PICPA Representative; Bill Long, SMC Insurance Agency; Eric Pochas, Vantagen LLC; Nicole Radziewicz, Rhoads & Sinon LLP.
The webinars will be delivered in two parts, ACA 101 for employers with fewer than 50 employees and ACA 201 for employers with 50-100 employees. There is no fee to attend these webinars; however, online registration is required.
ACA 101 (fewer than 50 employees) will cover important definitions and thresholds, such as shared responsibility and minimum essential coverage, qualifying for exemptions, coverage options for sole proprietors, premium assistance subsidy (also known as tax credits or rebates), information on calculating full time employees under the Act, employee notice requirements for employers, practical advice on where to get insurance, and budgeting for health care.
• ACA 101 Webinar – Sept. 16, 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
• ACA 101 Webinar – Oct. 14, 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
• ACA 101 Webinar – Nov. 11, 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
ACA 201 (more than 50 employees) will address important scenarios and examples, such as what provisions of the Act are already in effect, calculating full time equivalents, determining full-time status and eligibility, requirements of insurance coverage by applicable large employers, obtaining health insurance coverage for company employees, and next steps for employers related to the ACA.
• ACA 201 Webinar – Sept. 16, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
• ACA 201 Webinar – Oct. 14, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
• ACA 201 Webinar – Nov. 11, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
The Pennsylvania Health Care Advisory Council is comprised of business and trade associations, economic development organizations and the Pennsylvania SBDC. The council has developed educational sessions and a referral website to assist small businesses and connect them with the agencies and associations to provide the answers, resources, and guidance they need to comply with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
In addition, the council provides web-based educational material and live seminars throughout the commonwealth in cooperation with the network of 18 small business development centers. The council’s Web site, www.pahealthcare.org, provides referrals to service providers, news updates and event announcements.
Business owners are encouraged to research coverage options, conduct sound financial planning and determine company policies on health insurance offerings to employees. The statewide network of SBDCs is available to provide confidential, no-fee assistance to businesses with financial analysis and business planning related to the ACA. Business owners and managers should contact their local SBDC by visiting http://pasbdc.org/centers.