Although most employers have implemented the initial phases of Health Care Reform as they became effective over the past couple years, many of them have taken a “wait-and-see” approach to the next phase of Health Care Reform. Since last summer, Health Care Reform has survived a Supreme Court challenge and the 2012 election and it is clear now that the next phase of Health Care Reform will be implemented as planned. Government agencies are fully committed to—and are—providing the guidance necessary to implement the provisions of Health Care Reform that become effective later this year and in 2014, and employers should be prepared to do the same.

Preparing for the impact of Health Care Reform on employer-sponsored group health plans requires an understanding of the mandates and the steps to be taken to address them. The changes are substantial and complex, and implementation will require input not only from human resources, but also from finance, payroll, IT and senior leadership. Putting together the appropriate interdisciplinary team, analyzing the impact of the mandates and compliance all will take time, so an early start to the effort in 2013 is critical.

This Alert highlights the most significant changes impacting employer-sponsored group health plans in 2013 and 2014, and the actions employers can take now to address them.