As we near 2019, it is a good time to review changes in the ACA impacting employers. Below are key highlights to be aware of for 2019.
Changes in 2019 – Certain percentages and dollar amounts have changed for 2019:
- Cost-sharing limits
- Coverage affordability percentages
- Maximum penalties for ACA reporting violations
Expected changes impacting ACA in 2019 – Other updated amounts have not yet been announced but may change for 2019, including:
- Health flexible spending account (FSA) salary contribution limits
- Dollar amounts for calculating employer shared responsibility penalties
Overview
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made a number of significant changes to group health plans since the law was enacted in 2010. Many of these key reforms became effective in 2014 and 2015, including health plan design changes, increased wellness program incentives and the employer shared responsibility penalties.
Certain changes to some ACA requirements take effect in 2019 for employers sponsoring group health plans, such as increased dollar limits. To prepare for 2019, employers should review upcoming requirements and develop a compliance strategy.
This ACA Overview provides an ACA compliance checklist for 2019. Please contact the Horton Group for assistance or if you have questions about changes that were required in previous years.
Topics covered in this document:
- Plan Design Changes
- Grandfathered Plan Status
- Cost-sharing Limits
- Health FSA Contributions
- Summary of Benefits & Coverage (SBC)
- HIPAA Certification
- Employer Shared Responsibility Rules
- Applicable Large Employer Status
- Offering Coverage to Full-time Employees
- Applicable Penalties
- Affordability of Coverage
- Minimum Value
- Reporting of Coverage
- Forms Used for Reporting
- Electronic Reporting
- Penalties
- Employee Notice of Exchange
Links and Resources
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Final Notice of Benefit & Payment Parameters for 2019 established the cost-sharing limits for 2019
- 2018 Forms 1094-B and 1095-B (and related instructions) for reporting under Section 6055
- 2018 Forms 1094-C and 1095-C (and related instructions) for reporting under Section 6056
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Revenue Procedure 2018-34 indexed the affordability contribution percentages in 2019
This ACA Overview is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice.
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Material posted on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal opinion or medical advice. Contact your legal representative or medical professional for information specific to your legal or medical needs.
