It is going to interesting to see how this affects the costs. The delay means no penalties for the employers, which will cause a loss of revenue. At the same time, individuals will be mandated to get insurance or pay a fine. How can they delay the employers’ penalties without impacting the individual mandate?
This is a terrific question. What about the individual mandate and the exchanges that are supposed to be available this October?
Also:
How much has it cost to prepare for the roll out (within the nearest $100 billion will be close enough for my mind)? The states have been soaking up federal funds for the exchanges all year, and now...poof - delayed. Who in the hell is going to pay all of the agents and employees that have been added to get this done? Do they get to sit around with their thumbs in their asses for a year - not that it would be much difference?