Affordable Care Act
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or colloquially as “Obamacare,” was signed into law in March of 2010 with the goal of increasing the quality and affordability of health insurance for millions of Americans.
While the Act’s employer shared responsibility payments will not apply until 2015, and in some cases, not until 2016, there are provisions and safe harbors to consider and decisions that can be made now that may help businesses, employees and a business’s bottom line. Further, there are many unintended consequences arising out of the ACA that business owners, both large and small, need to consider when administering health care arrangements.
We are carefully following the developments associated with the roll-out of ACA and are providing counsel to business owners and other professionals, helping them to address compliance issues, evaluate exposure to penalties and other tax issues as well as planning strategically for the future.
Affordable Care Act Articles
What Do Lawyers Weigh?
Gravitaphobia could be the legal profession's worst nightmare. It means a fear of scales. Since ancient Rome, Lady Justice, or Jusitia, has been holding scales which represent the balance between truth and fairness. And every day, judges, juries and lawyers are tasked...
Does Your Homeowners Association Have the Right to Sue on Your Behalf?
Homeowners associations regularly file lawsuits to protect the interests of their members. These actions are oftentimes met with a challenge that the homeowners association has no right — or standing — to bring these claims, but instead the property owners themselves...
‘Labor’ and Employment Update: EEOC Delivers Guidance Clarifying Federal Law Protections for Employees Affected by Pregnancy
For the first time in more than 30 years, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued Enforcement Guidance ("guidelines") to clarify the legal protections to be afforded workers affected by pregnancy and pregnancy-related medical conditions. The EEOC...
Missouri Supreme Court Finds Joint Employers Both Responsible Under Missouri Minimum Wage Law
In an issue of first impression, the Missouri Supreme Court has held that if two companies are found to be "joint employers" under the Missouri Minimum Wage Act (MMWA) each would be individually responsible for paying a minimum wage. This is true even if one company...