Alma L. Saravia, a shareholder in the Healthcare Practice Group at Flaster Greenberg PC, has been tapped by Home Health Services and Staffing Association to speak on how New Jersey is implementing the federal Affordable Care Act’s mandate that all individuals must have health insurance at their next meeting, which is scheduled for June 11, 2013.
The session, entitled "The Affordable Care Act -Where are we and why is New Jersey so far behind?," will discuss New Jersey’s efforts to implement a Health Insurance Exchange. Health Insurance Exchanges are online marketplaces where residents will be able to compare and buy health insurance. The Exchanges are mandated to start operating on October 1, 2013 so that residents can begin pricing the cost of health insurance coverage.
The Exchanges are required to provide health insurance options to uninsured residents on January 1, 2014. The federal law provides funds for “navigators” to assist residents – navigators are non-profit groups who target groups of uninsured residents and provide them with information. New Jersey has not yet publicized the Exchange and most uninsured residents do not know how to obtain affordable health insurance coverage. Residents need this information to determine whether they are eligible for federal subsidies.
Saravia concentrates her practice in healthcare law. Her clients consist of medical staffs, nursing homes, physicians, nurses, chiropractors, and other medical healthcare providers as well as statewide healthcare organizations. She counsels physicians on licensure and disciplinary matters before the Board of Medical Examiners of which she was a member from 1992 to 1994, as well as other appearing before other healthcare licensure boards.
