The Affordable Care Act explained for farmers and business owners

Cornell Cooperative Extension is providing educational assistance to farms, small businesses, and individuals regarding the federal health reform law, known as the Affordable Care Act.

Classes will be held:

— July 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the extension office at 61 State Street in Troy;

 — Aug. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the extension office, 61 State Street in Troy; and

 — Aug. 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Annex 2, 411 Lower Main St., in Hudson Falls.

The new law will soon change the way that businesses and employees will obtain their health insurance.  Some employers will be mandated to provide health insurance for their employees. Others may want to offer insurance to assist in employee retention since there will be a tax penalty for any non-insured individuals.

Often sole proprietorships look for ways to find affordable health insurance for themselves and employees. ACA offers a three-legged approach to resolve this problem: increased protection for the insured, cost containment, and increased access to coverage and benefits through the exchange.

Enrollment begins in October 2013.   Additionally, there are tax credits that some businesses may be eligible to receive.  

If you plan to attend an information session, to guarantee materials will be available, please contact Kirk Shoen at kjs264@cornell.edu, Ashley Pierce at arp253@cornell.edu, Sandy Buxton at sab22@cornell.edu or call 272-4210 with any questions.

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