EEOC APPROVES STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2012-2016

In a public meeting on February 22, 2012 at agency headquarters, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) approved its strategic plan for fiscal years 2012-2016. The Strategic Plan establishes a framework for achieving the EEOC’s mission to stop and remedy unlawful employment discrimination. Implementation of the new Strategic Plan will begin in March 2012.

LOTS OF NEWS FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.

There is lots of news to report out of Washington, D.C. Regulatory Actions Federal regulatory agencies have been releasing Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)-related information at a fast and furious pace recently, and all indications are that even more may be coming soon.  One of the new rules details how states can get a PPACA waiver if they make health reforms that hit coverage and affordability goals specified in the law.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON HEALTH CARE REFORM ISSUES

On February 9, 2012, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury issued answers to frequently asked questions regarding automatic enrollment, employer shared responsibility, and waiting periods. The Departments also outlined various approaches they are considering proposing in future regulations or other guidance.

HHS POSTS FAQs ON ESSENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has posted a series of answers to frequently asked questions on essential health benefits (EHB). On December 16, 2011, HHS released a Bulletin describing the approach it intends to take in future rulemaking to define EHB under the Affordable Care Act. The answers to these questions are intended to

HHS ANNOUNCES CONSUMERS WILL BEGIN RECEIVING INFORMATION

On February 16, 2012, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that consumers will soon begin receiving information on the value of their health insurance coverage, and some will receive rebates from insurance companies that spend less than 80 or 85 percent of their premium dollars on health care.  The Affordable Care Act requires that insurance companies this year begin notifying customers how much of their premiums they have spent on medical care and quality improvement.

MARRIAGE EQUALITY ACT SIGNED IN WASHINGTON STATE

On February 13, 2012, before hundreds of marriage equality advocates and supporters, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed legislation that makes Washington the 7th state in the nation to allow same-sex couples to marry.  Washington now joins Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York plus the District of Columbia in allowing same-sex marriages.