As noted in our cover story, the employer mandate in the various federal health care reform bills may not begin to take effect until 2013.rnBut other aspects - termed "transitional provisions" - could take effect earlier. Two major transitional provisions, according to Ballard Spahr's Jonathan Calpas, might be:rnThe House bill would extend COBRA coverage for employees who lose their jobs beyond the current 18-month limit. Coverage would continue until the person became eligible for other coverage -through a new employer, say - or the National Health Insurance Exchange started operating.rnCalpas pointed out that if the Exchange doesn't open until 2013, an extension of COBRA now could require employers to provide continuation coverage for years.rnSuch an extension "would certainly impact health insurance costs," Calpas said.
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