Just when business owners who offer insurance benefits believed the final Affordable Care Act delay would occur – as the employer mandate was put off until 2016 just recently – another postponement may be in the works.
Three weeks ahead of the March 31 deadline, the White House is set to announce an additional deferral, this one allowing some policyholders to keep their plans even if they don't align with the essential health benefits provision, both The Hill and Fox News reported.
Expected to be announced at any time – perhaps as early as next week, according to the multiple media sources – the postponement would not only allow people to keep their current plans, but also enable insurers to make the same type of policies available.
A health industry consultant, who preferred to remain anonymous, told The Hill that the delay may be politically motivated.
"I don't see how they [i.e. the White House] could have a bunch of these announcements going out in September," the source said. "Not when they're trying to defend the Senate and keep their losses at a minimum in the House. This is not something to have out there right before the election."
This development comes just as President Barack Obama has begun a final push for individuals who aren't covered to seek out plans through the state or federal-based insurance exchanges.The Los Angeles Times reported that Obama will hold several town hall-style meeting, including in Washington where he's expected to speak with members of the Latino community. The event is being sponsored by "Get Covered," an advocate of the ACA that's affiliated with the state-run health marketplace in California.
