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Health Care Reform Overview #7 – Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure



Overview

Health Care is a very important topic. The new health care law is about to be implemented with many aspects of the law becoming effective July 1, 2007. It is very complex, and while the Chamber continues to believe some changes to it are called for, most of the aspects of the law have been agreed to and will become effective soon.

In order to help our members comply with the law, and to make it easier for those members who want to avail themselves, or help their employees take advantage of the new offerings for insurance under the law, we are embarking upon a communications campaign. The following is the first in a series of 8 bulletins that will be issued on a weekly basis to keep you informed about this important piece of legislation.

Health Care Reform Overview # 7 – Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure

A bulletin from the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc. on the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law, Ch. 58

Did you know
That as of July 1, 2007 a new state form will be required for both employers and employees. This form is the Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure form, referred to as HIRD.

The employer HIRD form is to be filed by all employers of more than ten (10) employees. To determine if you have more than 10 employees please refer to past chamber bulletins or go to The Commonwealth Connector web site at www.mass.gov/connector and you can click on the Employer’s Handbook.

The actual forms are being developed by the state and are expected before the July 1, 2007 deadline. The Commonwealth Connector web site is www.mass.gov/connector and you can click on the Employer’s Handbook and go to page 6. The handbook has been updated as of May 1 2007; however, the forms are not yet available.

The information most likely to be asked of employers is:
  • Employer’s name, Federal ID number, Division of Unemployment Assistance account number etc.;
  • Number of full time employees;
  • Number of part time employees;
  • Does the employer offer subsidized health insurance to employees;
  • Does the employer offer an approved Section 125 Plan (see bulletin # 4);
    • The employees must also fill out a HIRD form if they declined to enroll in an employer sponsored health plan and/or declined to participate in the employer 125 Plan
  • An employee filling out the form must indicate if he/she has an alternative source of coverage;
  • An employee’s completed and signed HIRD form must be kept on file by the employer for 3 years.
Again these forms are not yet available and will be posted on www.mass.gov/connector.

These bulletins are not intended as legal or tax advice. You will be offered resources that you should contact for specific advice on how this law will affect your business.

If I can help you find answers, contact me at ciuffreda@myonlinechamber.com.

A health care seminar sponsored by Mercy Medical Center is being held on June 11, 2007 and features Jon Kingsdale, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Connector. For more information click here.

Sincerely,
Jeffrey Ciuffreda
Vice President of Government Affairs

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