Small Business Health Insurance Update

I just returned from a meeting sponsored by the OKC Chamber of Commerce regarding the health insurance plan with Blue Cross that our company has used for the past many years.  Here are a few points of significance which came up for me as an employer and a consumer:

1)  The Chamber Choice Plans as we have known them since 2001 are not available as of January 2014.
2)  Insure Oklahoma Plans are still in place through 2014 and not part of the general state budget.
3)  There were two large firm lawyers and a couple of Blue Cross people fielding questions.  The lawyers seemed to get the most action I am sorry to say. 
4)  EVERY EMPLOYER'S SITUATION IS VERY DETAIL SPECIFIC AND THERE IS NO RULE OF THUMB OR EASY ONE-OFF ANSWERS.

5)  See rule #4.
6)  Neither our company nor most of the companies with which we work will qualify for premium subsidies BUT it is worth looking at to make sure.
7)  I requested a recording of the session if anyone wants one just let us know.
8)  Plans with over 50 employees are treated differently than those under 50.
9)  Blue Cross will be sending out some options THIS WEEK so be sure to look for those in the mail if you are on one of their plans.
10)  Overall there was a general sense of confusion, fear, and hopelessness with lots of head shaking and even tears from a lady sitting next to me.  This is the LAW of the LAND and we will figure it out eventually and some tweaks will have to be made to address some of the crazy situations I am sure were unintended.
11)  The SHOP website for small businesses seems to be working but online applications are not ready yet.  
12)  Small employers are NOT required to offer health insurance to employees.

BEST IDEA I HEARD--
    If you can change your renewal date to December 1, 2013 then we will have about a year to let the system work out a few kinks.  Blue Cross said they will offer that option. If you choose that--a decision will need to be made SOON.

RAW notes below--

Chamber blue cross

Since 2001 plan has been offered. 
NOT AVAILABLE IN 2014
Recording available--
ESSENTIAL benefits list. Look for this. Pediatric dentistry vision etc.
4 metallic plans 60-90%  Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum
Insure Oklahoma still in place through. 2014 not part of general state budget.
SHOP-- website. (1 carrier 1 plan)
  25 or fewer employees for subsidy on small group.  Aggregate companies if you own more than one.  Avg. Wages have to be lower than $25k. 
Will get renewal options soon--  (see brochure).
      Dec 1 renewal option
      Or go to ACA compliant plan for 1/1 Grandfathered plan are not impacted Need renewal packet back ASAP
Over 50 ees and employee declines coverage--very fact specific--coverage minimum, affordability (9.5% of annual wages)cost specific %, wages paid to ee. 
Pediatric dental coverage will be required in either health OR dental plan SHOP plan issues regarding owner wages and avg. For subsidy qualification.
A spouse is NOT defined as a dependent for subsidy purposes.