Brings to mind when what became PA152 was progressing through the Michigan legislature... I was given various opinions as to whether libraries were included or intended to be included in what was to become a limit on expenditures for medical health care benefits. Seeking a definitive answer was time consuming and frustrating. Wonder if the Michigan Library Association (even though Obamacare is a federal law) might, in its role as an an advocate for its members, inquire and work with the American Library Association to get some concrete answers. If like PA152, details and procedures are not exactly clear, action by both the state and national organizations may bring results in a more timely way, which would allow individual libraries time to plan. Donna J. Alward, Library Director Houghton Lake Public Library 4431 W. Houghton Lake Dr. Houghton Lake, MI 48629 Phone: 989.366.9230 Fax: 989.366.0063 URL: www.hlpl.org ----- Original Message ----- From: Andrea Estelle <aestelle@otsegolibrary.org> To: 'MichLibList Serve' <michlib-l@mail.mcls.org> Sent: Tue, 30 Jul 2013 17:01:06 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [Michlib-l] Obamacare and Small Libraries Hi Everyone, Does anyone have a clear, valid source that explains how the upcoming rules for Obamacare relate to a small library? We have 13 staff and 2 are full time with insurance. My question in regards to it is: Do the staff working over 30 hours need to be working less than 30 hours so that we don't get fined for not offering them insurance? And if so, when does the reduced hours take effect: now or in 2014? I have gotten a lot of conflicting feedback on this topic and insurance companies are calling it a "grey area" so I wondered if there is any source out there with a clear explanation. Thank you for your help! Andrea Andrea Estelle Library Director "Brighten The Corner Where You Are" <http://www.otsegolibrary.org/> Home 401 Dix Street, Otsego, MI 49078 (269) 694-9690 http://www.otsegolibrary.org/