Detroit Regional Chamber launches healthcare reform website for employers

The Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce today launched the first phase of a healthcare reform website that will help employers and individuals answer key questions about complying with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or "Obamacare."

MI Health Answers also will give members and nonmembers access to healthcare experts in Michigan and nationally on how to implement "Obamacare," said Roy Lamphier, the chamber's vice president of insurance and affinity services.

“This is where business can come to understand health insurance reform and make better decisions about buying insurance or complying” with the new rules and regulations, Lamphier said.

MI Health Answers is geared for small and medium-sized employers and their employees, many of whom will be looking to purchase health insurance for the first time or shop for a better deal on the federal health insurance exchange beginning in October.

Besides asking questions, the MI Health has a library of answers that explains the complex terminology of health insurance.

For example:

What is co-insurance?

Website answer: Copays generally won't cover all of the healthcare provider's fees. Your insurance company covers a large percentage of the remaining fee (usually 60-90 percent, depending on the plan), and the patient is responsible for the remaining percentage, called coinsurance.

Here's another question on the website on health reform.

Why was the Affordable Care Act initiated?

Partial website answer: Healthcare costs too much – roughly $14,000 per year for the average family. … Healthcare premiums have doubled over the past 10 years. … There are several healthcare holes (such as preexisting conditions and lifetime policy limits) that leave good people with huge financial burdens.

MI Health also is part of a larger chamber effort to educate employers about other healthcare issues. It also will be shared with other chambers in Michigan as part of its affiliate network program.