Employer Notification Templates Now Available Perhaps one of the most important elements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) — the Health Insurance Exchange/Marketplace — will open on October 1, 2013. The government has released initial templates of the forms that employers can use to communicate with employees about the exchanges. Sample Notifications for Employers The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requires that employers inform employees in writing about the new Health Insurance Marketplace (aka Exchanges) and how the exchanges relate to their benefits. The original notification date of March 1, 2013 was delayed by the Department of Labor (DOL). The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced that employers have until October 1, 2013 to provide notification. DOL has posted a sample notice, which serves as a useful example of what employers will be expected to share with their employees. DOL also has released a form for employers who do not offer coverage. Employers can begin using these forms, or create their own modified version, as long as the notice meets the DOL’snotification requirements. If you have questions regarding these notifications or require assistance in issuing compliant notifications to your employees, call us at 1.800.250.2741 or email solutions@gsanational.com.