Under insurance regulations, employers with fewer than 50 ATNE’s - Average Total Number of Employees (including part time and seasonal) - meet the definition of “small group.”

Thanks to CMS’ extension (here) of ACA transitional relief rules, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance reports about 2/3 of small groups have renewal dates from 10/1 thru 1/1.

That means your premium increase or decrease is in the mail (or soon will be).

Before you try and decipher your renewal packet, consider the last time you assembled a piece of Swedish furniture; those instructions may have been easier.

For example, Acme Widget offers two plans renewing November 1st. A $5,000 deductible HSA option has an 8% decrease, while the $1,500 deductible co-pay plan is being discontinued and “mapped” into a $1,250 deductible with a 12% increase. No less than 31 alternatives are offered, only a fraction of the insurer’s total menu.

The methodology and complexity of these renewals is a function of Affordable Care Act compliance. We can help you figure it all out.

And hopefully, put a smile on your face. (Click here if you can tolerate a naughty word or two.)