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30 | I NSIGH T • A p r i l 2 0 15 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m "Since the majority of the small employers did not move into adjusted community rating in January, we haven't experienced the full effect of what the law means for the two- to 50-employee small businesses. It could be very interesting come Jan. 1, 2016." – A n g e l a Lo b e rg, v i ce p re s i d e nt o f s a l e s a n d a cco u nt m a n a g e m e nt fo r U n i te d He a l t h Ca re ACA-compliant, adjusted community rated plan. Under adjusted community ratings, a single rate is set for groups in a particular geographic area without regard for factors such as gender. Medical questions are limited to whether someone is a smoker or not. is transitional agreement came out of President Obama's "If you like your plan, you can keep it," idea. "Small businesses can continue to do that, but late in 2016, transitional relief wears off and they'll have to choose a new adjusted community rated ACA plan," says Angela Loberg, vice president of sales and account management for UnitedHealthcare. e last renewal a small business can make of its existing plans is in fall 2016. So far, most small employers have opted to keep their old plans, Loberg says. In fact, 99 percent of Hanson's clients chose to keep their old plans, and now a few of them are starting to make the switch as they see rates increase enough to push them in that direction, Hanson says. at transition period ends in September 2017, says Sheila Jenkins, president and CEO of Network Health. A few have already chosen to switch over, "but once you move into that Affordable Care Compliant plan, you have to stay there," Jenkins says. "You can't opt back out." at same transitional process will be made available to mid-size employers, she says. e deadline comes sooner for those businesses between 50 and 99 employees. eir adjusted community rating, as well as the mandate to offer coverage, kicks in Jan. 1, 2016. "is is the year they could change their benefit structure," Jenkins says. "ey can change carriers, but they HEALTH INSURANCE Fly Local. Be Home Sooner. FLYGRB.COM