News

As thousands of federal workers in Virginia are locked out of their offices, lawmakers in the commonwealth are pointing fingers across the aisle.

Federal workers and contractors across Virginia are angry. Many already had to endure furloughs this summer and now the government shutdown is causing even more to lose income - and most workers report they actually want to be on the job.

The federal government shutdown provided fuel for the Democratic candidate for Attorney General to take shots at his Republican rival during their second debate.  

But while GOP Senator Mark Obenshain did not distance himself from the group which Democratic Senator Mark Herring says is behind the shutdown, the Republican painted his opponent as a figurehead who lacks vision and understanding of the office of Attorney General. 

Although the federal health insurance Marketplace for small businesses has been delayed until next month, employers still have some obligations that they must meet this week under the Affordable Care Act. 

That includes telling employees about the  launch of the individual Marketplace, where employees MAY find coverage options through the approved plans. 

All employers must distribute a U.S. Labor document that informs employees of the Marketplace and options. 

While Virginia Republicans are demanding a delay of the Affordable Care Act, the White House moved forward with its plan to open up health insurance exchanges today.
 

The political fight in Washington over so-called Obamacare has not delayed the rollout of a signature feature of the law: health exchanges where people can compare prices and tailor insurance plans for their needs. Still, Republicans, like Virginia Congressman Randy Forbes, are doing just about all they can to fight its implementation.

Enrollment is set to begin October 1st for Virginia’s new health insurance marketplace, which will be operated by the federal government.

The exchange that opens this week is for individuals, while the small business program—known as “SHOP”—will open on November 1st.  But not every plan will be available everywhere in the Commonwealth.