Health Care Reform

For renewing customers beginning with October 1, 2010 effective dates

Sharp Health Plan will incorporate required health care reform benefit and underwriting changes beginning with renewals for effective dates of October 1, 2010. These changes will affect all employers.

At Sharp Health Plan, we are committed to making the renewal process as simple as possible. That’s why we’ve streamlined our renewal package and provided answers to frequently asked questions about health care reform. 

Tax credit available

Employer groups with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) for the tax year and an average annual employee wage of less than $50,000 are permitted to receive a tax credit for the premium expenses paid for health coverage provided for their employees.

For tax years beginning in 2010 through 2013, a maximum of 35 percent of the employer’s premium expense can count towards the credit.  The credit is claimed on the employer’s annual income tax return.

Access the IRS website, where you can find details on calculating and claiming the credit; determining FTEs and average annual wages; and more.

Inside Health Care — April 2010 event

The inaugural session of Inside Health Care was devoted to health care reform and its potential impacts on hospitals, physicians, health plans, brokers, employers and members. You can view the documents that were shared with participants:

Additional questions about health care reform? Please contact your Sharp Health Plan Account Manager or send an email to insidehealthcare@sharp.com.