On Monday, April 12, American Booksellers Association health insurance partner LIG Solutions [6] hosted a webinar about the state of health insurance in 2021. A recording of the webinar is now available [6].

The webinar was led by Tim McNichols, executive director of partnerships at LIG Solutions. McNichols provided an overview of the benefits landscape under the Biden administration, including the new Special Enrollment Period and subsidies; the LIG Solutions health insurance program; and individual coverage options and group coverage options such as Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).

McNichols explained that one of the most important health insurance changes was enacted under the latest relief bill, dubbed the American Rescue Plan [7]. The Plan temporarily expands subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) [8] for people purchasing their own insurance. This change increases subsidies for people already eligible and offers new subsidies for higher earners who previously did not qualify.

Additionally, the Special Enrollment Period for Affordable Care Act coverage in the Marketplace [9] was recently extended through August 15 due to the pandemic. The Special Enrollment Period allows people to regain access to health insurance options usually limited to General Open Enrollment [10]. Booksellers are encouraged to contact LIG Solutions [6] to add, drop, or make changes to their insurance coverage to minimize cost or maximize coverage during this time.

McNichols also gave an update on the status of Association Health Plans (AHPs). Association Health Plans would allow business and trade associations to band their members together and offer group health coverage. All signs indicate that the Biden Administration does not intend to move forward with AHPs as most AHPs are not ACA-compliant. (This does not change anything for ABA members.)

However, LIG Solutions does offer an employer-funded group health plan through Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) program if bookstores wish to contribute to their employees’ health insurance costs. While there are many different kinds of HRAs [11], LIG Solutions offers either a Qualified Small Employer HRA or an Individual Coverage HRA through their partnership with PeopleKeep [12]. Bookstore owners who are interested in learning more about HRAs should contact LIG Solutions [6].

One of the benefits of the ABA membership program is its customizability. Unlike a large group plan, which takes on a one-size-fits-all approach, the health plans offered by LIG Solutions are tailored to members’ unique health and financial needs. Bookstore owners can choose to contribute to their employees’ health insurance costs, or just provide them access to purchase coverage. All ABA bookstores and their employees can take advantage of the benefit, and health plans cover individuals and families, independent contractors/1099s, and business owners and W2 employees.

LIG Solutions, which has licensed advisors in all 50 states, partners with major carriers to provide a wide array of coverage options. Coverage options include ACA-compliant major medical, Medicare/supplements, short-term policies, vision, dental, critical care, and supplemental coverage, as well as small group/Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRAs) programs.

View the recorded webinar on ABA’s LIG landing page, accessible here [6]. (An ABA login is required.)

For more information about the membership health insurance benefit, see FAQs about the LIG partnership [13]. For questions not answered by this FAQ, contact ABA’s Advocacy Team at [email protected] [14].