55 ELM STREET HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106-1775 Telephone: (860) 702-3480 Facsimile:(860) 702-3556
HEALTH CARE COST CONTAINMENT COMMITTEE
	STATE OF CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER HEALTHCARE POLICY & BENEFIT SERVICES DIVISION

DIVISION MEMORANDUM 2013-04
TO THE HEADS OF ALL STATE AGENCIES

September 26, 2013

I. INTRODUCTION

The Affordable Care Act requires all employers to provide their existing employees with a notice of the availability of health coverage through public health exchanges?the new marketplace that will be available beginning on October 1, 2013.

II. DISTRIBUTION OF THE NOTICE:

The attached notice must be distributed to all current full-time and part-time employees by October 1, 2013 (whether or not they are eligible for state-paid health benefits). All new employees should receive a copy of the notice at the time of hiring.

A. Employees with E-Mail Access

On Friday, September 27, 2013, the Office of the State Comptroller will send an e-mail blast with a copy of the notice to approximately 75 % of all employees who have State of CT e-mail addresses and computer access through their employment.

B. Distribution to Employees Without E-Mail or Computer Access

On or before October 1, 2013, each agency will be responsible for delivering a hard copy of the notice to the remaining employees who either do not have State e-mail accounts or consistent access to a computer at work. The notice will also be posted on the Comptroller's website.

II. DISCUSSION

It is likely that distribution of the attached notice will generate questions from employees. In most cases, an employee who is eligible for state-paid health benefits will not benefit from purchasing coverage through an exchange. In fact, if they do purchase exchange-based coverage they will lose the employer contribution toward their coverage and they would have to pay the entire premium with after-tax dollars. Those most likely to benefit from the availability of coverage through the exchanges are employees who are not eligible for job-based health coverage.

III. CONCLUSION

Agency Payroll and Human Resources personnel with questions should e-mail Margaret.Haering@ct.gov or telephone 860-702-3486.

Very truly yours,

THOMAS C. WOODRUFF, Ph.D.
Division Director

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