Update: San Francisco -- Model for health care reform or ERISA preemption minefield?

The push for expanded health coverage has put the spotlight on ERISA preemption, which generally trumps state and local noninsurance laws that relate to employee benefit plans. ERISA preemption has prompted several courts to strike down state or local health care reforms with employer "pay or play" requirements, but San Francisco has won an appeals court's reprieve - for now - to implement its pay-or-play mandate. This Update summarizes San Francisco's new law, which requires covered employers to spend a minimum amount on health care for certain employees or make payments to the city.  (Update, 6 Feb 2008, 4 pages)

• Full Update (PDF)

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