HEALTH REFORM AND EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAMS

The impact of health reform on employee health benefits programs could be dramatic. Depending on the health reform program adopted, employer s could face significant new regulatory and economic burdens in operat ing employee health benefits programs or could find themselves greatly relieved of such burdens. President Clinton's proposal, in particular , would dramatically alter today's practices. This article focuses on bow the Clinton proposal would change employee health benefits program s. Although President Clinton has indicated a willingness to compromis e, bis legislation may prove to be a house of cards, with all provisio ns interdependent. Employers should study all pending proposals carefu lly and weigh in on the debate so as to ensu re that lawmakers a re fu lly educated before making potentially irreversible decisions.