Prepared by: Elizabeth Ripley, Mat-Su Health Foundation DJ Wilson, State of Reform

Employer responsibilities – Businesses w/ over 50 employees: must make benefits available to employees This impacts very, very few businesses in total Firms in Mat-Su: 7,646 (2007) Establishments in Mat-Su:1,938 (2011) – Applying national averages to Mat-Su: 90% (93%) of establishments are under 50 employees, leaving only 194 (136) 90% (96%) of those already provide benefits, leaving 19 (5) Sources: US Census Bureau, Alaska Dept. of Labor, White House

Employer responsibilities – Alaska Dept. of Labor puts the total of 50+ firms at an even lower number: 53 – Puts the range at 2-5 firms in Mat-Su which may be subject to penalties Sources: US Census Bureau, Alaska Dept. of Labor, White House

Exchanges: “Expedia” for insurance – Individuals making up to 400% of FPL will receive subsidies to be on the exchange – Over time, even larger businesses will have a market to make purchasing insurance simpler, easier Starts with smaller business, but includes up to 100 employees in 2016; all businesses in 2017 Employer mandate delayed one year, one of three elements of ACA put off (LTC insurance, employee choice) – Some small businesses will receive tax credits

This data is from WA, and is presented as an example as this information is not currently available for AK

This info from WA is presented as an example as this information is not currently available for AK

IBM: Moving pensioners to exchange Washington State: Planning to move part-time employees to exchange Remember defined benefit pensions?

G OVERNMENT PURCHASED HEALTH CARE IN BLUE F OR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ; NOT TO SCALE

G OVERNMENT PURCHASED HEALTH CARE IN BLUE F OR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ; NOT TO SCALE

For most employers, your decisions should be made based on getting value for your health care dollar – not about penalties -Roughly 90% of businesses with a payroll are businesses under 50 employees  penalties don’t apply to these businesses -Roughly 90% of businesses over 50 employees provide health insurance benefits to employees which generally meet all standards to avoid penalties