Thursday, June 27
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Kirk A. Pelikan
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
A Forum on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

A significant challenge to employers of all sizes in 2013 is the transformation of health care in the United States.  In recent years, the cost of health coverage has increased far faster than wages.  Now in light of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), employers will soon face even greater cost increases as well as complex and time-consuming compliance requirements.   Because this is new territory, significant gaps and inconsistencies exist in the guidance issued by multiple federal agencies.  The law also contains substantial penalties for noncompliance.

Companies are now faced with changing the way they do business in response to this changing landscape.  Many employers will consider additional training or hiring of internal staff just to ensure compliance with mandated benefit arrangements as well as the enhanced reporting and disclosure requirements.  In addition, some employers are contemplating having more part-time employees and/or more leased employees, while others are contemplating dropping health coverage altogether.  Decision-making must contemplate a variety of factors including what competitors may be doing, whether employees will have access to health care through other sources including government-subsidized exchanges, and whether options exist to permit the employer to offer some form of health coverage on a cost effective basis.  Is your business prepared to interpret the law and make the best decisions in addressing the health care challenges that will soon be upon us?  Are there solutions that achieve employer goals without breaking the bank?

Kirk Pelikan is a member of the Employee Benefits Group of Michael Best & Friedrich in its Milwaukee office. His practice involves all employee benefits matters, including ERISA, benefit plans, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), COBRA, HIPAA compliance, family and medical leave, and other health benefits issues. Mr. Pelikan is president of the Wisconsin Retirement Plan Professionals, Ltd. and a member of the Greater Milwaukee Employee Benefits Counsel. He is a frequent speaker on employee benefit matters and FMLA.