Covered California
Covered California is the state's marketplace for the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Covered California was charged with creating a new health insurance marketplace in which individuals and small businesses can get access to affordable health insurance plans. Covered California offers information online specifically for small businesses including a list of frequently asked questions.
Requirement to Notify Employees
The Affordable Care Act requires all employers in California, regulated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to provide a notice to employees informing them of the existence of Covered California (the Marketplace), and the ability to purchase health insurance in the Marketplace. The regulations require that employers notify new employees within 14 days of the employee's start date. Businesses can use the Department of Labor (DOL) Tool Online to determine if they must comply with FLSA. The DOL has provided a list of Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) to help businesses.
The labor notice to employees is required by the DOL Technical Release 2013-12.