Tag Archive for: ACA

Common Health Insurance Terms to Help You Understand Your Plan

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If you’re considering purchasing health insurance, you may feel overwhelmed by the variety of terminology associated with it. From coinsurance to deductibles, there are numerous health insurance terms you should know before you enroll. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. We have translated some of the confusing terminologies around health insurance into plain English to help you better understand your health insurance coverage.

Let’s dive in.

Coinsurance

Coinsurance is a health insurance term that refers to the percentage of the cost of a healthcare service that you are responsible for paying after you have met your health insurance plan’s deductible. 

For example, if your healthcare bill is $1,000 and you have already met your deductible, and your coinsurance is 20%, you will be responsible for paying $200 (20% of $1,000), while your insurance company will pay the remaining $800. Coinsurance is one of the ways in which health insurance companies share the cost of healthcare services with their policyholders.

Copay

Copay refers to a fixed amount of money that you may need to pay out-of-pocket for a covered healthcare service or supply. For example, your health plan may require a $20 copay for an office visit or a $10 copay for a generic prescription. After you pay the copay, your health insurance plan will cover the remaining cost of the healthcare service or supply. 

Copays are a way for health insurance companies to share the cost of healthcare services with their policyholders. Copay amounts may vary depending on the type of healthcare service or supply, and the specifics of your health insurance plan.

Deductible

A deductible is the amount of money that you need to pay out-of-pocket for healthcare services before your insurance plan starts covering those services. For example, if your plan has a $1,000 deductible, you will need to pay the first $1,000 of healthcare services you receive during the year before your plan starts contributing to the cost of covered services. Once you’ve met your deductible, your insurance plan will begin to share the cost of healthcare services with you. The amount of the deductible can vary depending on the specifics of your insurance plan and is an important factor to consider when choosing a plan, as it can significantly impact your out-of-pocket costs for healthcare.

Essential Health Benefits

Let’s talk about Essential Health Benefits – a set of healthcare services that must be covered by plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace, as required by the Affordable Care Act. These benefits include emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health, prescription drugs, preventive and wellness services, pediatric services, and more. 

In-Network Providers

Understanding the difference between in-network and out-of-network providers is critical. In-network providers are a group of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers that your health insurance plan has partnered with to provide care to its members. 

Out-of-Network Providers

When you receive healthcare services from a provider that has not partnered with your insurance plan to provide care to its members, this is known as an out-of-network provider. It’s important to note that using an out-of-network provider may result in additional costs for you, so it’s crucial to know which providers are in-network before receiving care.

Another important term to be familiar with is out-of-pocket cost, which refers to the amount you pay for health care services. This may include your deductible, coinsurance, and co-pays.

The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you’ll pay in a policy period, usually one year, before your plan starts to pay 100% of the covered Essential Health Benefits you receive. This limit must include deductibles, coinsurance, and co-payments, but typically does not count premiums toward your out-of-pocket maximum.

Monthly Premiums

Monthly premiums refer to the regular payments that an individual pays to their health insurance company in exchange for coverage. This payment can be made on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis depending on the insurance plan. 

The amount of the premium varies based on a number of factors, such as the type of coverage, the individual’s age, location, and the level of benefits they choose. It’s important to understand the cost of the monthly premium when selecting a health insurance plan, as it can impact your budget and overall financial health.

Preventative Care

Preventive care is health care services focused on keeping you healthy before you may become sick. These include routine check-ups, patient counseling, screening tests, and immunizations. Plans must offer these services at no cost to you when the services are provided by in-network doctors. This means they can’t charge a copayment or coinsurance, even if you haven’t met your deductible for the year.

Provider

Lastly, it’s important to understand what a provider is. This refers to a person or place you go to receive health care services. Examples include doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and more. Check with your health insurance plan to find out if a provider is in-network or out-of-network.

By familiarizing yourself with these health insurance terms, you can better understand your coverage and make an informed decision when choosing a health insurance plan.

Still Have Questions?

We serve employers who want to offer their employees affordable benefits. We simplify the complexity of providing those benefits and ensure compliance with the Affordable Care Act. We provide affordable benefits for the everyday person. We are different because of our personal service, speed of implementation, and innovative approach to providing benefits coverage.

Learn more about us and our services, here.

FAQs: ACA and ALEs – What You Need to Know

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As an ALE, understanding the regulations set forth by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) can be a daunting task. The employer mandate, minimum essential coverage (MEC), minimum values, and affordability are all crucial guidelines that must be understood to avoid penalties.

In this blog, we will answer some frequently asked questions about ACA and ALEs to help you stay informed and compliant. We will cover topics such as what is an ALE, how to calculate workforce size, common ownership impact on ALE status, timing impact on ALE status calculation, the employer mandate, minimum essential coverage, and more. So, let’s get started!

First, What is an ALE?

An ALE, or applicable large employer, is a company or organization that employs at least 50 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. The IRS defines a full-time employee as someone who works at least 30 hours per week or 130 hours of service per calendar month.

 Even if a company doesn’t have 50 full-time employees at all times, it just needs to average at least 50 FTEs per month in the current calendar year to be considered an ALE for the following calendar year.

How Does an Employer Calculate Workforce Size to Determine if They’re an ALE?

To determine if your company is considered an ALE, you must add the number of full-time employees and the full-time equivalent of your part-time employees. only U.S employees should be counted. 

To calculate the full-time equivalent of your part-time employees, take the total hours worked by all part-time workers in a month and divide by 120. Then add this number to the total number of full-time employees to get your total FTE count. If you have seasonal workers, they must be included in the FTE count, but you may be able to apply for an exemption if their hours cause the count to exceed 50 or more.

You are eligible for the seasonal worker exemption if you meet the following conditions:

  • Your total number of full-time employees (including FTEs) exceeds 50 for a maximum of 120 days in a calendar year.
  • The excess employees during this period are considered seasonal workers.

How Does Common Ownership Impact ALE Status?

To determine if a group of businesses are considered an ALE, they must be evaluated together as a controlled group. This applies even if the businesses are separate legal entities. If the controlled group is determined to be an ALE, each individual business within the group is considered an ALE, regardless of the total number of employees and is subject to the employer shared responsibility provisions (ESRP) of the ACA.

How Does Timing Impact ALE Status Calculation?

When determining ALE status, it is important to consider the preceding calendar year. Employers who were established during part of the previous year will have their calculations adjusted accordingly. New businesses that did not exist on any day in the previous year will be considered an ALE if they anticipate and do employ an average of 50 or more full-time employees, including full-time equivalentsduring the current calendar year.

What is the Employer Mandate?

The employer mandate, also known as the Employer Shared Responsibility Provisions (ESRP), is a requirement under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) that applies only to businesses that are considered Applicable Large Employers (ALEs). These employers are required to offer health insurance coverage that meets minimum essential coverage (MEC) and is considered affordable to their full-time employees and their dependents, or they may face penalties. 

Businesses that do not qualify as ALEs are not subject to these requirements or penalties. Only full-time employees, not full-time equivalents, are counted for the purpose of calculating penalties and the first 30 full-time employees are not factored into the calculation.

What is Minimum Essential Coverage?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that ALEs provide a minimum level of health insurance coverage, known as minimum essential coverage (MEC), to at least 95% of their full-time employees. This is to avoid paying penalties under the employer shared responsibility provisions (ESRP). 

To meet this requirement, ALEs must offer their employees the opportunity to enroll in a health insurance plan that meets the standards set forth by the ACA, such as those offered in the small or large group market, grandfathered health plans, or certified by the Health Insurance Marketplace.

How is Affordability Defined and Calculated?

To be considered “affordable” under the Affordable Care Act, a health plan’s cost for an employee cannot exceed 9.12% of their annual household income in 2023. This calculation is based on the employee’s salary and the lowest cost silver plan available for their age and location.

Does the Employer Mandate Require Coverage be Offered to Dependents?

The employer mandate under the ACA stipulates that ALEs must provide qualified and affordable health coverage options to their employees and their eligible dependents. According to the mandate, dependents are defined as an employee’s child under the age of 26, including adopted or placed for adoption children. It should be noted that spouses, stepchildren, foster children, or non-U.S. citizen children not living in the U.S. or a contiguous country do not fall under the definition of dependents.

When Would an Employer be Subject to Potential Employer Shared Responsibility Penalties?

There are two types of financial penalties for ALEs (Applicable Large Employers) under Section 4980H of the Internal Revenue Code. The first penalty (4980H(a)) applies to ALEs that do not offer Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) to at least 95% of their full-time employees and dependents. The second penalty (4980H(b)) applies to ALEs that do not offer affordable coverage to their full-time employees and dependents.

If an ALE fails to meet these requirements and at least one full-time employee receives federal subsidies, such as premium tax credits for purchasing essential coverage through the Marketplace, the ALE will be subject to penalties. 

How Much are the Penalties for Failing to Meet the Employer Mandate?

The IRS updates the penalties for employer mandates annually. In 2023, the penalties are as follows:

 

  • Section 4980H(a) penalty: ALEs that do not provide Minimum Essential Coverage to 95% of full-time employees will face a penalty of $2,880 per full-time employee.
  • Section 4980H(b) penalty: ALEs that do not offer affordable or minimum value coverage will face a penalty of $4,320 per full-time employee.

These penalties may be adjusted based on the number of employees who received subsidies for coverage and how many months employees were not covered. The IRS will apply the higher penalty of the two options, meaning that both penalties cannot be imposed simultaneously.

Still Have Questions?

The best way for employers to remain compliant with healthcare laws is to consult with a team of professionals. Our team at SBMA understands the ACA and can help you stay up-to-date on any changes to the law. 

What is Encompassing Health and Why Does the Government Allow it?

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As healthcare costs continue to rise in the US, reaching a staggering $4.1 Trillion in 2020, it’s no surprise that people are looking for ways to address the issue. But what if there was a way to address healthcare issues before they became serious problems, saving both time and money in the process? Enter preventative healthcare.

In this blog, we will discuss preventative healthcare, why it’s important and how Encompassing Health contributes to the overall well-being of individuals and communities. Let’s dive in.

Let’s Talk Preventative Healthcare: Why Is It Important?

Preventive healthcare is important because it can help to prevent or reduce the likelihood of developing health conditions or diseases in the first place. By proactively addressing potential health issues before they become serious problems, individuals can save time and money on treatment and improve their overall quality of life. 

Preventive healthcare can also reduce the burden on the healthcare system by preventing the need for more costly and complex treatments down the line. In addition, preventive healthcare can help to reduce healthcare costs for both individuals and the healthcare system as a whole by addressing issues before they become more serious and costly to treat. By investing in preventative care, the government can potentially save billions of dollars each year on healthcare costs and improve the overall health of the population.

According to the CDC, chronic diseases that are avoidable through preventive care services account for 75% of the nation’s healthcare spending and lower economic output in the US by $260 billion dollars a year. This means that by introducing a preventative healthcare program, the government could potentially save billions of dollars each year.

Encompassing Health

Encompassing Health is a program that offers elective, limited health insurance benefits under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code. This means that the benefits provided through Encompassing Health can be paid for using pre-tax dollars, which can help offset the cost of the benefits through payroll tax savings. Essentially, this means that individuals who enroll in Encompassing Health can use pre-tax dollars to pay for their limited health insurance benefits, which can help reduce their overall tax burden.

Encompassing Health was designed with the intention of providing companies of all sizes with the best, most affordable workplace health services. 

Encompassing Health is just one example of a preventative healthcare program that could help the government save money. By offering tax savings to encourage people to participate in preventative healthcare services, the government can help address healthcare issues before they become serious and costly problems.

So, Why Would the Government Allow a Program like Encompassing Health? 

The answer is simple: to save money and improve the overall health of the population. If you’re interested in learning more about preventative healthcare and how it can benefit you, be sure to check out our Encompassing Health Program.

What is SBMA’s Encompassing Health?

Digital Health Portal

Provides a specialized, fully integrated technology suite, assisting employees to establish a healthy lifestyle while simultaneously improving employee productivity and reducing the need for health services by preventing health issues from arising in the first place.

Personalized Coaching

Provide employees with access to workplace certified health coaches who are personally assigned to them in order to give employees a detailed and effective regiment that will ensure their personal health.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine enables medical consultations to take place through secure, electronic communication including bi-directional video conferencing, telephone and email. This eliminates the need for traveling back and forth to a doctor’s office, and opens up availability for employees who previously may have had trouble getting in to see a doctor for check ups or test results, due to a busy at home schedule.

Behavioral Health

Behavioral clinicians provide assessment, diagnosis, consultation, and brief psychotherapy to address each employees behavioral health needs through live, interactive video conferencing.

Risk Identification

Predict and classify 35 different conditions and identify and rank the health risks of your unique environment.

Genomics Testing

Leveraging this individualistic approach with an emphasis on each employee and offer each participant an opportunity to set goals for his or her physical and mental well-being based on their genetics.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the high cost of healthcare in the US is a major concern for many people. However, preventative healthcare services have the potential to address a significant portion of healthcare-related issues, potentially saving the government billions of dollars each year. Encompassing Health is one example of a preventative healthcare program that could help the government save money and improve the overall health of the population. While the tax savings offered by this program may seem small compared to the potential savings, they can still be a valuable incentive for people to participate in preventative healthcare services and help address healthcare issues before they become serious and costly problems.

 

Full-Time vs Part-Time Benefits: Why It Matters

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Employers need to make sure they are compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the employer shared responsibility regulations, also known as “the employer mandate” or ALE. This means that employers must consider many factors when deciding between offering full-time vs part-time benefits, including the costs associated with providing health coverage and other employee benefits.

In this blog we’ll explore the differences between full-time (FT) and part-time (PT) benefits and why it matters for business owners.  

What is the ACA’s Employer Mandate?

The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Employer Mandate is a federal law requiring businesses with 50 or more full-time employees to provide health insurance coverage to those employees, or face penalties. The ACA requires employers to offer minimum essential coverage that meets certain affordability and value requirements. Employers must also comply with certain reporting requirements so the government can keep track of employer compliance with the law.

The Employer Mandate is one of the most important elements of the ACA, as it helps ensure that more Americans have access to quality health care coverage. The goal of this law is not only to ensure that employers are providing health insurance to their employees, but also to make sure those plans are comprehensive and affordable.

The ACA’s Employer Mandate requires Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) to provide their full-time employees with affordable Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC), meeting Minimum Value (MV) requirements, that covers at least 95% of the workforce.

The Employer Mandate is enforced by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and while penalties can be imposed if an employer fails to comply with the law, there are some exemptions that may apply. For example, employers who offer health coverage but do not meet minimum value requirements may qualify for a “hardship exemption.” Additionally, employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees are not subject to the Employer Mandate.

What is ALE (Applicable Large Employer)? 

Applicable Large Employer status is a designation given to certain employers by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA requires applicable large employers to offer health insurance coverage to their full-time employees or pay a penalty. 

An applicable large employer is any business that has at least 50 full-time employees, or a combination of full-time and part-time employees that are equivalent to at least 50 full-time employees.

What Qualifies an Employee as Full-Time?

Generally, an employee is considered full-time if they work an average of 30 or more hours per week. Certain government agencies may have specific definitions to define full-time employees, such as those that qualify for unemployment benefits. Depending on the situation, an employee may also be considered full-time if they are classified as a salaried or exempt employee, meaning they would receive a set salary regardless of the number of hours worked. 

Overall, being aware of an employer’s definition of full-time employment can be beneficial for both employers and employees. Knowing what qualifies as full-time can ensure that employees receive the correct benefits and employers are in compliance with any applicable regulations.

What Benefits are Generally Offered to Full-Time Employees?

Full-time employees typically receive benefits such as health insurance, vacation time, 401(k) plans, and other company-sponsored retirement plans. Some employers may also offer tuition reimbursement programs, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and employee discounts. The specific benefits offered to full-time employees vary greatly depending on the employer and the industry. 

Additionally, many organizations are now offering mental health support, remote working options and other perks that may benefit employees in these uncertain times. 

Full-time employees must be offered benefits if the employer is subject to ALE, while part-time employees are not eligible for coverage until they meet certain hours thresholds. Employers should carefully consider how their benefits packages will affect the ACA and ALE compliance in order to avoid penalties or fines that could arise from noncompliance.

What Qualifies as Part-Time Employment and Benefits?

Part-time employment typically refers to a worker who is employed for fewer hours per week than a full-time worker. Some employers may offer part-time employees the same benefits as their full-time counterparts, including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement savings plans. However, there can be differences in the amount of benefits offered depending on the employer. For example, some employers may offer reduced health care plans or no retirement savings plan to part-time employees. In addition, some employers may cap the amount of paid time off for part-time workers. It is important for potential and existing part-time employees to know their rights under the applicable labor laws. 

Additionally, employers need to be aware of the different rules for eligibility for full-time and part-time employees. For example, if an employer offers a health plan that is limited to full-time employees but also has part-time employees who work more than 30 hours per week, they may not be eligible to receive coverage under this plan. This means that employers must be very careful when establishing eligibility criteria for their benefits plans and make sure that they are compliant with the ACA and ALE regulations.

How PT vs FT Employee Benefits Impact Retention

Employers should also consider how their employee benefit packages affect their employee retention strategies. Offering attractive benefits to full-time employees can help retain them, while providing minimal or no benefits to part-time employees may lead to high turnover rates. Employers need to assess their workforce needs and determine if it is necessary to offer benefits to part-time employees in order to maintain a healthy and productive workforce.

Things to Consider

Overall, employers must take into account the costs of providing employee benefits, as well as the compliance requirements of the ACA and ALE when deciding between offering full-time vs part-time benefits. Employers should also consider their employee retention strategies and make sure they are providing adequate benefits to ensure long-term loyalty from both full-time and part-time employees.  With proper planning, employers can create an effective benefits package that meets the needs of their workforce while remaining compliant with all applicable regulations.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires employers to calculate the number of employees that qualify as full-time and full-time equivalent for each month in order to determine if they are an Applicable Large Employer (ALE). This calculation involves taking the total number of full-time designated employees, plus all non-full-time designated employees’ hours for the month and dividing by 120. The resulting number is then added to the full-time employee count to determine ALE status. 

To ensure accurate calculations, employers can outsource their ACA compliance process to a service provider who will measure workers’ hours of service and calculate FTEs and ALE status on their behalf. Accurately calculating ALE status is essential for employers to minimize potential penalty exposure from the IRS.

To Sum It Up

The decision to provide full-time or part-time benefits to employees is a complex one that requires careful consideration of various factors such as cost, compliance with ACA and employer shared responsibility regulations. Employers should look into their options and evaluate which option is best for them in order to ensure they are providing their employees with quality benefits. Ultimately, offering the right benefits to employees can help businesses attract and retain talent.

If you’re a business owner that needs help navigating FT/PT employee benefits, reach out to us today!

Received an ACA Penalty from the IRS? Here’s What to Do

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The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has a number of different mandates and regulations, which can carry hefty penalties if you don’t comply. If you receive an ACA penalty, it’s important to understand what to do in order to minimize the impact of this financial burden. In this blog post, we will discuss the types of ACA penalties that you may face, as well as how to navigate the process of dealing with them. We will also provide tips on how to avoid ACA penalties in the future. 

If you are a business owner trying to remain compliant, this blog post will help you take the necessary steps to stay up-to-date with your obligations under the ACA and avoid costly penalties in the future.

What are Some Reasons Why a Business Owner Could Receive an ACA Penalty?

There are a few reasons why a business owner may receive an ACA penalty:

  1. Not Offering Qualified Health Insurance Coverage – The employer mandate requires employers with 50 or more full-time employees provide qualified health insurance coverage to at least 95% of their full-time employees. If a business fails to offer this coverage, they may be subject to an ACA penalty.
  2. Not Providing Affordable Coverage – Employers must also provide affordable coverage to at least 95% of their full-time employees. If the employer fails to meet this requirement, they may be subject to an ACA penalty.
  3. Failing To Offer Dependent Coverage – The ACA requires employers to offer dependent coverage up to the age of 26. If an employer fails to provide this coverage, they may be subject to a penalty.
  4. Not Adequately Reporting ACA Information – Employers are responsible for accurately reporting employee health insurance information on their taxes and other forms. Failure to do so can result in an ACA penalty.
  5. Offering Coverage to Employees Who Are Not Eligible – Employers must also make sure that all of their employees who are eligible for coverage are offered coverage, or else they may be liable for an ACA penalty.
  6. Failing To Comply With State Regulations – Some states have their own requirements when it comes to providing employee health insurance. If a business fails to comply with these regulations, they may be subject to an ACA penalty.

No matter what the reason, it is important for employers to understand their obligations under the ACA so that they can avoid penalties. By understanding the law and taking steps to ensure compliance, employers can avoid costly ACA penalties.

By following the guidelines set forth by the ACA, employers can ensure that they are compliant and avoid having to pay unnecessary penalties. It is important for businesses to stay up-to-date on all of their responsibilities under the law in order to remain compliant and avoid costly fines or penalties. Employers should consult with an experienced attorney or tax specialist to ensure that they are in compliance with the ACA.

The consequences of not complying with the ACA are serious. Business owners should make sure that they understand their responsibilities and take steps to ensure compliance in order to avoid costly penalties or fines. An experienced attorney or tax specialist can help business owners stay up-to-date on all of their obligations under the law.

Additionally. . . 

There are many other reasons why a business owner may receive an ACA penalty, and it is important to understand them in order to avoid them. Consulting with an experienced attorney or tax specialist can help employers understand the law and ensure that they remain compliant. By doing so, businesses can avoid costly penalties while providing quality health care coverage for their employees.

The Affordable Care Act is a complicated law and understanding it can be difficult. However, by taking steps to make sure that they are compliant with all of the provisions, employers can avoid costly penalties and fines. By consulting with an experienced attorney or tax specialist, employers can make sure that they remain compliant while providing quality health care coverage to their employees.

By understanding their obligations under the ACA, businesses can ensure that they remain in compliance and avoid any unnecessary penalties or fines. With the help of an experienced attorney or tax specialist, businesses can make sure that they are up-to-date on all of their responsibilities under the law and remain compliant with the ACA.

What to Do if You Receive a Penalty

If you’re a business owner and have received an ACA Penalty from the IRS, take the following steps:

  1. Contact your tax advisor. Your tax advisor should be able to provide advice about how to proceed with this penalty and whether it can be appealed or reduced in any way.
  2. Review your employee records. The penalty could be the result of incorrect or incomplete information about your employees, so make sure all records are up to date and accurate.
  3. Determine how you’ll pay the penalty. You may have to pay the penalty in a lump sum or over several payments, depending on how much is owed.
  4. Contact the IRS to discuss payment options. The IRS may be able to assist you in setting up a payment plan for paying the penalty, or they may be willing to work out an alternative arrangement.
  5. Establish a compliance program going forward. Once the penalty is paid and any necessary documents are filed, it’s important to ensure your business is compliant with the ACA going forward. Work with your tax advisor or another specialist to set up a compliance program that will help you avoid penalties in the future.
  6. Appeal if necessary. If you feel the penalty was issued incorrectly or unfairly, you can appeal it by filing an application for reconsideration with the IRS. Your tax advisor can help you determine if appealing is a viable option for your situation. 

By following these steps, you can ensure that your business is compliant with the ACA and any penalties are handled appropriately.

In Summary

The key to avoiding future ACA Penalties is understanding how the law applies to your business and making sure all of your employee records are accurate and up-to-date. Additionally, establishing a compliance program and regularly reviewing your employee records is essential to avoiding future penalties. Finally, be sure to contact the IRS if you receive a penalty and consider appealing it if necessary. With these steps in place, you can help ensure that your business remains compliant with the ACA going forward.

By taking steps to make sure that their business is complying with all of the provisions of the law, employers can avoid costly penalties and fines. The best way for employers to make sure that they remain compliant is to consult with a professional like our team at SBMA, who understands the ACA and can help them stay up-to-date on any changes to the law. 

ACA is Here to Stay

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The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was one of the biggest healthcare overhauls in recent history. It aimed to provide affordable health insurance coverage for all Americans. After several failed attempts to repeal the act, it seems that ACA is here to stay. 

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what this means for American taxpayers and businesses.

What Is the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

The Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010 and since then it has been under constant threat of repeal. The law required all Americans to have health insurance coverage or face a tax penalty. It also expanded Medicaid coverage and provided subsidies to help people afford private health insurance plans.

In 2017, Republican lawmakers attempted to repeal the Affordable Care Act but were unsuccessful. This led to a lot of uncertainty about the future of the law. However, it now seems that ACA is here to stay, at least for the time being.

What Does this Mean for American Taxpayers?

For starters, it means that the tax credits and subsidies that help people afford their health insurance coverage are still in place. It also means that the Medicaid expansion, which has provided coverage for millions of low-income Americans, is still in effect.

Taxpayers will continue to be responsible for funding the ACA. This includes the subsidies that help people pay for health insurance and the Medicaid expansion. The good news is that, because the ACA is no longer being repealed, there will be no need for major changes to the tax code.

What Does this Mean for Businesses?

The Affordable Care Act requires businesses with 50 or more employees to provide health insurance coverage for their workers. This requirement is still in place, so businesses will need to continue to comply with it.

There may be some changes to the way this is done in the future. For example, the government may provide more subsidies to help businesses cover the cost of health insurance. 

Overall, the news that ACA is here to stay is good news for American taxpayers and businesses. It provides stability and certainty in an uncertain time.

Final Thoughts

The Affordable Care Act has provided many benefits, including increased access to healthcare, lower costs for prescription drugs, and free preventive care services. These benefits are worth billions of dollars each year and help to improve the lives of millions of Americans.

There is still some uncertainty about the future of the Affordable Care Act, but for now, it seems that the law is here to stay. This is good news for American taxpayers and businesses who have benefited from the law’s many provisions.

If you’re interested in learning more about the ACA, read our articles on the advantages of the ACA and  what business owners should know about ACA benefits. 

Why SBMA is the Gold Standard of Customer Service

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At SBMA, we serve employers who want to offer their employees affordable benefits. We simplify the complexity of providing those benefits and ensure compliance with the Affordable Care Act. 

We’re in the business of providing health care to everyday people, ensuring peace of mind through trust and transparency. 

We pride ourselves on our personal service, speed of  implementation, and innovative approach to providing benefits coverage.


Today, we’d like to chat a bit more about the exceptional service we provide and why SBMA is, therefore, the gold standard of customer service for minimum essential coverage (MEC) insurance providers.

(Hint: Our one-stop-shop benefits portal plays a large role in our successful customer service efforts!)

Let’s dive in.

What Problem Do We Solve?

With us, you get peace of mind, security, and the insurance your employees want at a price everyone can afford. Providing affordable benefits to your employees not only ensures you employees remain motivated and excited about work, but they also ensure you remain in compliance with the ACA.

What Makes SBMA Benefits Different?

Our customer service is what sets us apart. We work when you work. Our carrier partners have given us exclusive offerings to complement our medical plans, giving you the best possible price. Our quick execution and advanced approach to benefit coverage is second to none.

How SBMA Supports the Onboarding and Offboarding Processes

At SBMA, we support businesses beyond providing affordable minimum essential coverage (MEC). We are proud to support the employee onboarding process so your human resources (HR) teams have more time to focus on the daily tasks that keep your business running.

This is why we offer a complete insurance solution that covers:

 

  • Implementation
  • Enrollment
  • Administration, and
  • Reporting

Our benefits professionals are fully equipped to support onboarding and offboarding procedures to eliminate the hassle for businesses.

How? Using our benefits portal.

Our Benefits Portal

Employee benefits administration can be a pain for any HR department. At SBMA, we aim to simplify the process by giving you access to everything you need in one place.

Our one-stop-shop portal is proprietary and unlike any other. Our portal grants you access to all of the tools necessary to support a new hire (from beginning to end).

We eliminate the headache of unnecessary paperwork with benefits management portal access. You can:

  • Make plan changes
  • Order ID cards
  • Check a claim status online
  • Track onboarding and offboarding
  • And more

Resources are only a click away.

Besides creating a seamless onboarding process with our all-in-one portal, we also provide video tutorials for our partners. These resources provide instructions that assist navigation through the portal.

Read on to view our enrollment portal walkthrough.

Which Industries are Most Susceptible to ACA Penalties from the IRS?

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While all organizations are susceptible to receiving IRS penalties, some industries are particularly vulnerable. These industries include home healthcare, staffing, restaurant, and construction industries. 

Why are these industries under fire from the IRS? Let’s take a look.

These Industries Typically Have a High Number of Hourly Workers

Home healthcare, staffing, restaurant, and construction industries have a high percentage of hourly workers with varying schedules. This can make it difficult for employers to determine which employees are ACA full-time and require an offer of health coverage.

HR is often a non-centralized function, making it challenging to gather the data necessary for compliance.

High Staff Turnover Rates

These industries are often associated with a high employee turnover rate. This can make it difficult for employers to track employees and their benefits. If an employer is unable to track the benefits in an efficient manner, that could be putting their company in a position to receive hefty fines.

SBMA identified this paint point among our clientele and decided to create a one-stop shop portal for all of your benefits needs; from onboarding to offboarding, we have you covered.

Workforces that Disproportionately Decline Health Coverage

Home healthcare, staffing, restaurant, and construction industries generally employ workforces that are more likely to decline offers of health coverage benefits. Employers may struggle to track declinations and face ACA penalties from the IRS. 

One way to encourage your employees to enroll in health coverage is to remind them of the importance of maintaining your health and how a simple annual doctor’s office visit can make a positive impact on their well-being. 

How Can Organizations Ensure They Are Complying with ACA Requirements?

Employers can ensure they are ACA compliant by determining the accurate full-time and part-time status of employees under ACA. Employers may experience significant ramifications for misclassifying employees. 

Additionally, employers should familiarize themselves with their requirements under the ACA’s Employer Mandate. For example, employers with 50 or more full-time employees, or ALEs, must:

  • “Offer Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) to at least 95% of their full-time employees (and their dependents) whereby such coverage meets Minimum Value (MV); and 
  • Ensure that the coverage for the full-time employee is affordable based on one of the IRS-approved methods for calculating affordability.”

For more information, read on for the full article from the ACA Times.

Infographic for "Article Review Which Industries are Most Susceptible to ACA Penalties from the IRS?"

These Industries are Most at Risk for ACA Penalties From the IRS

The home healthcare, staffing, restaurant, and construction industries are under fire from the IRS for failing to comply with the ACA. Organizations within these industries have been shocked to receive ACA penalty notices from the IRS that are in the millions of dollars.

Of course, all types of organizations – hospitality, manufacturing municipal governments, non-profits, and other industries – are receiving IRS penalty notices too. However, the four industries mentioned above seem to be getting more than their fair share.

Here’s why these industries are so susceptible to receiving ACA penalties:

  • HR is often a non-centralized function, making it challenging to gather the data necessary for compliance
  • They have a high percentage of hourly workers with varying schedules, making it difficult to determine who is ACA full-time and requires an offer of health coverage
  • They employ workforces that disproportionately decline offers of health coverage benefits, creating a heavier employer burden in tracking declinations
  • Employees come and go during the year with high staff turnover rates, increasing the employer’s burden to track all such employees
  • Per diem piece work and multiple rates of pay complicate the determination of pay rates and affordability
  • Reliance on payroll systems (or other software programs) that collate data and submit Forms 1094-C and 1095-C often result in a failure to let you know when the data used is inaccurate, which will trigger ACA penalties

Determining the accurate full-time and part-time status of employees under the ACA is arguably the first, and most important, step for ACA compliance. There are real ramifications for inaccurately classifying employees. 

Under the ACA’s Employer Mandate, ALEs, or employers with 50 or more full-time employees and full-time equivalent employees to:

  • Offer Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) to at least 95% of their full-time employees (and their dependents) whereby such coverage meets Minimum Value (MV); and 
  • Ensure that the coverage for the full-time employee is affordable based on one of the IRS-approved methods for calculating affordability

ALEs that fail to comply with these requirements can be subject to Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 4980H penalties.

For example, let’s look at an employer that improperly classifies an employee as not full-time and does not make an offer of insurance. That employee goes to a government marketplace exchange to purchase health insurance and receives a Premium Tax Credit (PTC) that helps subsidize the cost of the health insurance purchased on the exchange. This can trigger the issuance of an IRS Letter 226J penalty notice under IRC 4980H. 

The penalty assessment will be applied to every full-time employee working for that employer during the course of the tax year, not just the employee obtaining the PTC. For the 2022 tax year, that penalty could be as high as $275,000 for every 100 employees.

The first step in the full-time status evaluation is determining which measurement method is best for your organization.

For organizations made up primarily of variable-hour employees, you will want to implement the Look-Back Measurement Method. If your workforce has mostly full-time employees and non-varying schedules, the Monthly Measurement Method will be best.

The most expedient step for employers is to get your ACA Vitals score. This will help determine your risk of receiving IRS penalties by analyzing your unique workforce composition.

Such a review can reap dividends by helping employers avoid significant ACA penalties from the IRS, particularly if those organizations have not been filing ACA-required information annually with the IRS. These organizations should file this information as soon as possible to avoid receiving an IRS penalty notice and to minimize potential penalties. 

The IRS is currently issuing warning notices to employers identified as having failed to file and furnish Forms 1094-C and 1095-C for the 2019 tax year via Letter 5699. If you have received one, contact us to have the penalty reduced or eliminated. We’ve helped our clients prevent over $1 billion in ACA penalty assessments.

If you are part of the home healthcare, personnel staffing, restaurant and construction industries, or any industry that relies on a significant mix of full-time and part-time employees, you are at serious risk of being penalized for not complying with the ACA.

We see daily how the IRS is enhancing its methods for identifying employers that are not complying with the ACA and sending them penalty notices. 

We regularly see the surprise and shock expressed by organizations that receive these penalty notices, many of them containing significant penalty assessments. 

We also see how these organizations could have avoided these penalty assessments by receiving help from experts that understand ACA and IRS regulatory requirements and know how to successfully meet those regulatory requirements.

The Individual Mandate: What Employers Need to Know

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The California Individual Mandate, originally signed into law in 2019, was a response to the federal individual mandate being struck down by the Trump administration.

 

This state law requires all California residents obtain Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) for a minimum of nine months, or they may face a tax penalty unless exempt.

 

Let’s discuss the individual mandate and what employers need to know, starting with a shorthand list of exemptions.

MEC Exemptions

According to the State of California Franchise Tax Board, some exemptions include:

 

  • An individual’s income is below the state tax filing threshold
  • A coverage gap consists of three consecutive months or less
  • Coverage is not affordable based on the income reporting in your state income tax return
  • If the cost of the lowest plan, whether marketplace or employer-sponsored, is more than 8.09% of income on an individual’s tax return
  • The cost of the lowest employer-sponsored family plan, including dependents, is more than 8.09% of the household income
  • Non-citizens who are not lawfully present in the state
  • Those who are living abroad or are residents of another state
  • Members of a health care sharing ministry
  • Enrolled in limited or restricted-scope Medi-Cal or other similar coverage
  • Those in federally recognized tribes are eligible for services through an Indian health care provider or the Indian Health Service
  • Those in jail, except for incarceration, pending the disposition of charges

 

These exemptions typically must be claimed on your state income tax return.

 

While the individual mandate went into effect “to reduce the number of uninsured individuals and families,” it also has implications for employers in California. Moreover, the law requires additional reporting from specific organizations.

Employer Reporting Required by the Individual Mandate

Employers must report insurance information to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) of California by March 31. The data reported includes the enrollment participation of employees and their dependents.

 

Employers with an insurance provider who reports to the FTB are not required to report in addition to their provider.

What are the Penalties for Not Reporting Insurance Information to the FTB?

Employers who do not meet the filing deadlines of the FTB are subject to a $50 penalty for every employee receiving coverage.

 

Individually, there is a flat penalty per household member or 2.5% of the gross household income, whichever is higher. If an individual does not obtain coverage for the entire year, they would be subject to a minimum fine of $800. 

Why Are There ACA Reporting Requirements for Employers?

For applicable large employers (ALE), the FTB introduced these reporting requirements to help enforce the state’s healthcare mandate.

 

Employers who offer self-insured or employer-sponsored plans must report individual enrollment through Form 3895C unless their insurer reports via Form 1095-B. 

 

These reports allow the FTB to verify an individual’s coverage and identify who must pay an individual shared responsibility provision (ISRP).

 

This sounds like a lot, but don’t worry. At SBMA, we take care of all ACA reporting required for the ALEs we work with. We submit Forms 1095-B and 1095-C to ensure you comply with ACA requirements.

Individual Mandates in Other States

Individual mandates are becoming a more common practice in states other than California. The current states who have individual healthcare mandates include:

 

  • California
  • The District of Columbia
  • Massachusetts
  • New Jersey
  • Rhode Island, and
  • Vermont

 

Read our article “Understanding the Affordable Care Act Individual Mandate” for a more detailed look at each state’s requirements.

A Final Word

As an employer, it is essential to understand the individual mandate to ensure you remain compliant with reporting requirements and avoid hefty fines.

 

The best way to stay on top of these requirements is to partner with an insurance provider who handles your reporting. Look at our employer resources page for more information on how we assist employers with their health coverage needs.

Preventative Services Covered by MEC

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Minimum essential coverage is health insurance that meets the Affordable Care Act requirements. Employers have a requirement to offer at least Minimum Essential Coverage to any benefit-eligible employee. Non-compliance can result in a penalty of $214.17 PER eligible employee per month without coverage.

 

Take a look at our MEC calculator to discover how much you can save by investing in MEC for your employees.

 

At SBMA, we aim to offer affordable, flexible, and compliant coverage for all employers.

What Does Basic MEC Cover?

Our Basic MEC plans cover 100% of preventive services and wellness visits to the doctor. In addition, all members have access to 24/7/365 telehealth services and discounts on generic and brand prescriptions. 

 

These plans are the most affordable option under Minimum Essential Coverage. 

What Does Ultimate MEC Cover?

Ultimate MEC covers the preventative services and wellness visits mentioned above, as well as primary care and specialist visits with a $15 copay. As well as urgent care, labs, and X-rays with a $50 copay. 

 

24/7/365 telehealth services are included under this plan, along with access to behavioral health telehealth services

 

Prescriptions under the Ultimate MEC plan are covered based on your coverage tier.

 

*$50 fee max 3 per year

Preventative Services Covered Under MEC

Both plans cover preventative services and wellness visits. The services covered depend on age and gender. Here’s a look at the coverage offered under preventative services:

Covered Preventative Services for Adults

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm one-time screening for men of specified ages who have ever smoked
  • Alcohol misuse screening and counseling
  • Aspirin used to prevent cardiovascular disease in men and women of certain ages
  • Blood pressure screening for all adults
  • Cholesterol screening for adults of certain ages or at higher risk
  • Colorectal cancer screening for adults over 50
  • Depression screening for adults
  • Diabetes (Type 2) screening for adults with high blood pressure
  • Diet counseling for adults at higher risk for chronic disease
  • Falls prevention (with exercise or physical therapy and vitamin D use) for adults 65 years and over
  • Hepatitis B screening for people at higher risk
  • Hepatitis C screening for adults at increased risk, and one time for everyone born 1945 –1965
  • HIV screening for everyone ages 15 to 65, and other ages at increased risk
  • Immunization vaccines for adults — doses, recommended ages, and recommended populations vary: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Herpes Zoster, Human Papillomavirus, Influenza (flu shot), Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis and Varicella
  • Lung cancer screening for adults 55 – 80 at high risk for lung cancer because they’re heavy smokers or have quit in the past 15 years
  • Obesity screening and counseling for all adults
  • Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) prevention counseling for adults at higher risk
  • Statin preventive medication for adults 40 to 75 years at higher risk
  • Syphilis screening for all adults at higher risk
  • Tobacco use screening for all adults and cessation interventions for tobacco users
  • Tuberculosis screening for certain adults with symptoms at higher risk

Covered Preventative Services for Women

  • Anemia screening on a routine basis for pregnant women
  • Breast Cancer Genetic Test Counseling (BRCA) for women at higher risk for breast cancer (counseling only; not testing)
  • Breast cancer mammography screenings every 1 to 2 years for women over 40
  • Breast cancer chemoprevention counseling for women at higher risk
  • Breastfeeding comprehensive support and counseling from trained providers, and access to breastfeeding supplies, for pregnant and nursing women
  • Cervical cancer screening
  • Chlamydia Infection screening for younger women and other women at higher risk
  • Contraception: Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures, and patient education and counseling, as prescribed by a health care provider for women with reproductive capacity (not including abortifacient drugs). This does not apply to health plans sponsored by certain exempt “religious employers.”
  • Diabetes screening for women with a history of gestational diabetes who aren’t currently pregnant and who haven’t been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before
  • Domestic and interpersonal violence screening and counseling for all women
  • Folic acid supplements for women who may become pregnant
  • Gestational diabetes screening for women 24 to 28 weeks pregnant and those at high risk of developing gestational diabetes
  • Gonorrhea screening for all women at higher risk
  • Hepatitis B screening for pregnant women at their first prenatal visit
  • HIV screening and counseling for sexually active women
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Test every 5 years for women with normal cytology results who are 30 or older
  • Osteoporosis screening for women over age 60 depending on risk factors
  • Preeclampsia prevention and screening for pregnant women and follow-up testing for women at higher risk
  • Rh Incompatibility screening for all pregnant women and follow-up testing for women at higher risk
  • Sexually transmitted infections counseling for sexually active women
  • Syphilis screening for all pregnant women or other women at increased risk
  • Tobacco use screening and interventions for all women, and expanded counseling for pregnant tobacco users
  • Urinary tract or other infection screening, including urinary incontinence
  • Well-woman visits to get recommended services for women under 65

Covered Preventative Services for Children

  • Alcohol and drug use assessments for adolescents
  • Autism screening for children at 18 and 24 months
  • Behavioral assessments for children at the following ages: 0 to 11 months, 1 to 4 years, 5 to 10 years, 11 to 14 years, 15 to 17 years.
  • Bilirubin concentration screening for newborns
  • Blood pressure screening for children at the following ages: 0 to 11 months, 1 to 4 years, 5 to 10 years, 11 to 14 years, 15 to 17 years
  • Blood screening for newborns
  • Cervical dysplasia screening for sexually active females
  • Depression screening for adolescents
  • Developmental screening for children under age 3
  • Dyslipidemia screening for children at higher risk of lipid disorders at the following ages: 1 to 4 years, 5 to 10 years, 11 to 14 years, 15 to 17 years.
  • Fluoride chemoprevention supplements for children without fluoride in their water source
  • Fluoride varnish for all infants and children as soon as teeth are present
  • Gonorrhea preventive medication for the eyes of all newborns
  • Hearing screening for all newborns, and for children once between 11 and 14 years, once between 15 and 17 years, and once between 18 and 21 years
  • Height, weight, and Body Mass Index measurements for children at the following ages: 0 to 11 months, 1 to 4 years, 5 to 10 years, 11 to 14 years, 15 to 17 years.
  • Hematocrit or hemoglobin screening for all children
  • Hemoglobinopathies or sickle cell screening for newborns
  • Hepatitis B screening for adolescents ages 11 to 17 years at high risk
  • HIV screening for adolescents at higher risk
  • Hypothyroidism screening for newborns
  • Immunization vaccines for children from birth to age 18 — doses, recommended ages and recommended populations vary: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Haemophilus influenza type B, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus, Inactivated Poliovirus, Influenza (Flu Shot), Measles, Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus and Varicella
  • Iron supplements for children ages 6 to 12 months at risk for anemia
  • Lead screening for children at risk of exposure
  • Maternal depression screening for mothers of infants at 1, 2, 4, and 6-month visits
  • Medical history for all children throughout development at the following ages: 0 to 11 months, 1 to 4 years, 5 to 10 years, 11 to 14 years, 15 to 17 years.
  • Obesity screening and counseling
  • Oral Health risk assessment for young children Ages: 0 to 11 months, 1 to 4 years, 5 to 10 years.
  • Phenylketonuria (PKU) screening for this genetic disorder in newborns
  • Sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention counseling and screening for adolescents at higher risk
  • Tuberculin testing for children at higher risk of tuberculosis at the following ages: 0 to 11 months, 1 to 4 years, 5 to 10 years, 11 to 14 years, 15 to 17 years.
  • Vision screening for all children.

Read on for more information on MEC insurance plans and what they cover.

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