As you know, healthcare reform legislation has been passed by Congress and signed by the President. If you would like more detail on this new law, we encourage you to review the resources available on the Kaiser Family Foundation website http://healthreform.kff.org/. This new law has significant implications for employers who offer healthcare benefits and the employees and families covered by those plans. This summary will help you understand some of the changes. We know you have a lot of questions and concerns about healthcare reform and how the legislation will impact your benefits. We have been closely following the healthcare reform legislation and the implications for employer-sponsored healthcare and benefits. However, since there were so many last-minute changes and many complex provisions, it will take us some time to understand exactly what the legislation means for us. Some things will take effect very quickly after the bill is signed into law but many of the major provision will not take effect for several years, some as late as 2018. Some of the changes included in the law that affects health plans are: · Coverage for adult children to age 26, if they are not eligible for coverage through an employer · Removal of lifetime aggregate and annual dollar limits on essential benefits · Elimination of pre-existing condition exclusions for children up to age 19 These changes may not apply to your dental and vision plans. Additional changes you may see with your health plan are: · Over-the-counter medication Starting January 2011 healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HAS) and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA) will no longer reimburse for over-the-counter medicine (except insulin), unless it is prescribed by a physician. · Reporting cost information Starting in January 2021, your W-2 will report the cost of your health coverage. It will not be a part of your taxable wages, but will be reported simply as information. · Legally required health insurance Starting in 2014, individuals will be required to get basic health coverage or pay a penalty to the government. Your health coverage through your employer should meet the minimum requirements established by the government. If it does not meet the requirements, including rules about how much your insurance costs, then you may become eligible to buy coverage through a new insurance exchange. You may also become eligible for a government subsidy. Healthcare reform will not change our commitment to competitive benefits that support your health and wellness—today and in the future. Healthcare reform will not change our commitment to be an employer of choice, nor will it change our commitment to being your partner in health. We remain committed to comprehensive benefits as well as your active role in your health. We’ll continue to partner with you to enable your success. We will keep you updated as we get new information. As always, now and in the future, your benefits require you to be actively involved to get the most from our plans. While we evaluate the legislation, please focus on what you can do today to get the most from your plans. If you haven’t already, schedule your annual physical and make sure you and your family are getting the preventive care exams you need. Check out our wellness programs and other benefits like the employee assistance plan that can help you today. Provided by Gallagher BEnefit Services, Inc. 2010