By JANE BIGBEE

Skip Lowe, chief executive officer of Bernie Lowe and Associates, during a presentation on the hospitals health plan recently, told members of the Marengo Memorial Hospital board a lot of questions remain on health care reform.

Starting with his question to the board: When was the last time a federal law was overturned in this country? he answered: Prohibition. Health care is not likely to be overturned. It is here to stay.

He said he told his staff, in March 2010, they were there to guide clients and should not think the Supreme Court would overturn the health care reform act nor to think elections would change the act.

He continued, there are some changes coming very quickly. He pointed to an announcement in mid-July that the player pay mandate will require companies to count their employees working 30 hours.

He discussed personal medical plans and what they mean with deductibles, co-insurance and out-of-pocket maximums.

Most people dont know their health insurance coverage. How would I expect them to understand health care reform tomorrow? he asked.

Analyzing material including enrollment, contributions, pre-tax benefits, etc. provided by the hospital for its employee plan, Lowe gave trustees a broad view of the plan design for the next five years. Starting with 2012, items and provisions will impact the employer as well as the employee. He noted the Internal Revenue Service is not a fan of pre-tax benefits.

NEW FEE

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HEALTH CARE REFORM – What’s it all mean at MMH?