On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) and shortly thereafter the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872), which changes health care as we know it. In the coming years there are many adjustments that construction companies need to be aware of in order to comply with the new law.

The bill was passed after 10 months of partisan debate and the bill is public law. Many of the provisions in the bill will require extensive rules and regulation to be written and AGC will continue to seek regulatory guidance and compliance assistance tools for its members as information becomes available.

Health Care Reform Toolkit for Construction Employers

• Employer Responsibility Requirements: The bill requires “large” employers to provide health care benefits to their employees or pay a penalty.
• Insurance Reforms and Modifications to Current Benefit Plans: The bill changes the plans offered to employees and how employers purchase coverage.
• Financing Provisions: Among the $437.8 billion in new taxes in the bill are tax changes not directly impacting health care.
• Wellness Program Changes: The bill sets minimum standards for wellness and prevention programs.
• Special Considerations for Collectively—Bargained Employees: The bill specifically addresses collectively bargained plans.
• Impact on Health Care Construction: The bill will provide insurance coverage to 32 million additional individuals. The demand for future health care facilities depends on many factors.