Team UPDATES
The ACA vs. AmeriCorps Health Plan Updates
As you know, Josh Todd has been conversing with CNCS and Mary Strasser, the AmeriCorps VISTA Director. So far this news about our health benefits may be difficult for our recruiting efforts for 2014-2015, but things will remain mostly the same for you, our 2013-2014 members! For those of you who have no additional coverage, you may not be fined until the following year (which ORCC will pay for). Because Josh is always better with words than myself, I am reposting what he mentioned in an earlier email:
“As you may know the Affordable Care Act requires that all health insurance plans meet some basic standards to be compliant with the law. The health benefits that CNCS provides to VISTA members do not meet these basic requirements. Since it is not health insurance but instead a basic health benefit it does not need to meet the requirements. What this means is that VISTA members will need to have an individual health insurance policy that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act or pay the individual responsibility fine (this year it is about $95 dollars for the income level VISTAs are at).
First off, do not worry ORCC is committed to supporting our members and ensuring they have what they need to be successful and healthy. I have contacted CoverOregon to find specific details about the enrollment process, costs, and if eligible the tax refunds that VISTA members might receive if insured. ORCC will do the leg-work to find out the easiest and most cost effective way for VISTAs to meet this requirement. I am also committing to find ways to minimize any financial burden this may place on members.
Secondly, while the law requires you to enroll by January 1 you actually have until March 31 to enroll and not pay the fine. We have some time to figure this out and will work so all members meet this timeline.
Finally, I know the Corporation wants members to feel that it values and honors your service. This is the current decision for this program year but conversations are happening at the federal level to find ways to even better support VISTAs. I have reached out to Senators Wyden and Merkley as well as Representative Blumenauer to ensure they are aware of the situation and will continue to advocate for all of you. Your service inspires me. Thank you for all you do.”
As you know, Josh Todd has been conversing with CNCS and Mary Strasser, the AmeriCorps VISTA Director. So far this news about our health benefits may be difficult for our recruiting efforts for 2014-2015, but things will remain mostly the same for you, our 2013-2014 members! For those of you who have no additional coverage, you may not be fined until the following year (which ORCC will pay for). Because Josh is always better with words than myself, I am reposting what he mentioned in an earlier email:
“As you may know the Affordable Care Act requires that all health insurance plans meet some basic standards to be compliant with the law. The health benefits that CNCS provides to VISTA members do not meet these basic requirements. Since it is not health insurance but instead a basic health benefit it does not need to meet the requirements. What this means is that VISTA members will need to have an individual health insurance policy that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act or pay the individual responsibility fine (this year it is about $95 dollars for the income level VISTAs are at).
First off, do not worry ORCC is committed to supporting our members and ensuring they have what they need to be successful and healthy. I have contacted CoverOregon to find specific details about the enrollment process, costs, and if eligible the tax refunds that VISTA members might receive if insured. ORCC will do the leg-work to find out the easiest and most cost effective way for VISTAs to meet this requirement. I am also committing to find ways to minimize any financial burden this may place on members.
Secondly, while the law requires you to enroll by January 1 you actually have until March 31 to enroll and not pay the fine. We have some time to figure this out and will work so all members meet this timeline.
Finally, I know the Corporation wants members to feel that it values and honors your service. This is the current decision for this program year but conversations are happening at the federal level to find ways to even better support VISTAs. I have reached out to Senators Wyden and Merkley as well as Representative Blumenauer to ensure they are aware of the situation and will continue to advocate for all of you. Your service inspires me. Thank you for all you do.”