LAKEPORT, Calif. – Facing new federal health care requirements for employers, the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed a task force of county officials to address the law’s implementation.

At the request of the County Administrative Office, the board voted unanimously to appoint the task force to report back to the board with policy recommendations on how to fulfill the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

The task force will include one supervisor – Board Chair Rob Brown volunteered for the duty – along with the county administrative officer or designee, county counsel or designee, county auditor-controller, and the directors of human resources director, health services, public services and social services.

The Registrar of Voters Office also asked to have a representative on the task force, since that department relies heavily on extra help, according to county staff.

Chief Deputy County Administrative Officer Matt Perry said one of the main issues the county will face in complying with the bill relates to the requirement to offer health care coverage to extra help employees working 130 hours a month.

Failing to provide that coverage could earn the county a $2,000 per employee, per year fine, which in Lake County’s case could total $1.8 million annually, according to Perry.

“This affects a lot of departments,” Perry said.

While the bill’s requirements are not effective until Jan. 1, 2014, Perry said county administration anticipates there will be a “lookback period” of three to 12 months before that date by the government to see if they are in compliance.

To be fully compliant, and to allow county departments to adjust to the new requirements, Perry said county staff is setting a target date of July 1 to implement the new policies, work out the quirks and determine new restrictions on using extra help employees.

County Administrative Officer Kelly Cox told the board, “This is a very significant issue.”

Cox said the county relies heavily on extra help employees, and the new law will change how the county uses extra help.

Supervisor Denise Rushing asked about the estimated costs to provide health insurance to part-time employees.

“We haven’t defined that cost yet,” said Perry.

Trying to ascertain that number, he added, is one of jobs for the task force.

Supervisor Jim Comstock moved to approve appointing the task force as proposed by the County Administrative Office. The vote was 5-0.
            
While the county is moving forward to make sure it complies with the law, the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is still at issue.

The U.S. Supreme Court said last week that it will hear arguments on the bill Monday, March 26, through Wednesday, March 28.

The court isn’t allowing cameras in the courtroom for the arguments – a rule it’s adhered to in the past – but said it will post the audio recordings and unofficial transcripts of the arguments as soon as the digital files are available for uploading at its Web site, www.supremecourt.gov .

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .