All University Employees to Receive Required Health Care Reform Notice

All Duquesne University employees will receive a federally required notice explaining the Affordable Care Act (ACA) early next month. Commonly referred to as Health Care Reform, the ACA is a federal statute that will require most Americans to have health insurance by Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, or pay a fine to the Federal Government.

Those not eligible for a University medical plan can acquire the mandated insurance through a parent’s or spouse’s employer plan, through government programs such as Medicare or Medicaid or through a government Health Insurance Marketplace, which allows individuals to buy coverage on their own.

The health insurance marketplace, also known as a health insurance “exchange,” is a one-stop-shop website where affordable, local health plans are available for purchase. Plans and costs can be compared side-by-side, and self-reported information will identify whether or not the buyer qualifies for lower out-of-pocket costs or monthly premium fees. Additional information about the marketplace and plan options can be found online.

University faculty and staff should note the following:

• Employees covered by Duquesne University’s health insurance or another eligible insurance plan will avoid being subject to the fee. They may choose to continue with their current plan or opt to purchase insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, where they may find lower costs or be eligible for tax credits.
• Because the University health coverage offered to eligible employees exceeds the federal standards, most employees will not be eligible for these subsidies. Marketplace rates will be available Tuesday, Oct. 1, for a full comparison.
• Duquesne University currently offers healthcare benefits to the following eligible employees: full-time faculty; librarians; administrative staff and non-union employees who are regularly scheduled to work 35 hours per week; and full-time union employees in Local 95, Local 32 BJ and Local 502 who are regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week. Coverage for full-time Teamsters Local 249 employees who are regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week is offered through the Teamsters Health and Welfare Plan.
• Employees not eligible to purchase a Duquesne University medical plan must obtain other coverage that complies with Federal law by Jan. 1, 2014, to avoid a penalty.

Employees are encouraged to evaluate their family’s health insurance situation and review the forthcoming information carefully to make the best choice for their personal situation.

Email the Office of Human Resource Management’s benefits office or call 412.396.5106 with any questions regarding employee eligibility for University health coverage. Visit the Marketplace for additional information on health insurance options.