Bill > SB1446

This bill allows small employers in California to continue offering certain health care coverage plans that were in effect on December 31, 2013, even if they don't fully comply with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), also known as Obamacare. These plans can be renewed until January 1, 2015, and remain in effect until December 31, 2015, with specific notification requirements to employers about new, compliant plan options available through Covered California, the state's health insurance marketplace, which may offer better benefits and financial assistance. If these existing plans are not "grandfathered" (meaning they don't meet certain PPACA requirements), they must be amended to comply with all applicable PPACA provisions by January 1, 2016, to continue being offered. The bill also clarifies that these extended transition policies are only implemented to the extent permitted by PPACA and takes effect immediately as an urgency statute to align with federal transition policies.