ACA Health Insurance: Employer Monthly Compliance – A Vital Guide

Employer compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is paramount, especially on a monthly basis. By maintaining compliance, employers can avoid costly penalties, ensure their employees have health insurance coverage, and contribute to a healthier workforce.

Monthly Reporting Requirements

Under the ACA, employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) are required to:

Offer health insurance coverage to at least 95% of full-time employees: Coverage must meet certain minimum standards, such as essential health benefits and affordable premiums.
File monthly reports on employee coverage and benefits: These reports must be submitted to the IRS using Form 1095-C and 1094-C.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with ACA’s monthly reporting requirements can result in significant penalties:

Employer Penalty: Up to $2,950 per full-time employee (excluding the first 30) who receives a premium subsidy (Advance Premium Tax Credit) through the Marketplace.
Individual Penalty: Employees who receive a premium subsidy but were not offered affordable coverage by their employer may face a penalty.

Benefits of Compliance

Maintaining monthly ACA compliance offers numerous benefits for employers:

Avoids Penalties: By filing monthly reports and offering coverage, employers can significantly reduce the risk of fines.
Provides Health Insurance Coverage: Employers help ensure their employees have access to affordable health insurance, reducing absenteeism, increasing productivity, and promoting employee well-being.
Contributes to a Healthier Workforce: Comprehensive health insurance coverage can improve employee health outcomes, prevent chronic diseases, and lower healthcare costs for the employer.

Seeking Professional Assistance

If you’re an employer with 50 or more FTEs, it’s essential to seek guidance from licensed health insurance agents. They can:

Review your ACA compliance status and help you develop a compliance strategy
Assist with enrolling employees in health insurance plans
File monthly ACA reports on your behalf

Remember, ACA compliance is a continuous process. By understanding your responsibilities, filing monthly reports, and offering health insurance coverage, employers can protect themselves from penalties, provide for their employees, and contribute to a healthy workforce.