Mary BatesAll ACA (Affordable Care Act) coverage and reporting obligations for employers remain in place for 2019.
Texas Court Ruling on ACA
A U.S District Court in Texas ruled that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unconstitutional on Dec 14, 2018. This ruling has no immediate impact on us in MN, our programs or regulations, under the ACA.
A number of states are appealing the decision, while other states are fighting to keep ACA in place. Court arguments and judicial decisions could well extend into 2020 or beyond.
IRS forms 1095-B, 1094 and 1095 C
Insurers will be mailing IRS Form 1095-B to the members for Small Employer Fully Insured Groups (< 50 employees), and 1094-C and 1095-C to the Employer of Large Groups (> 50 employees) beginning this month. Please remember to keep your form in a safe place until you're ready to file taxes. This form provides information needed to report on income tax return that individuals in a tax family (self, spouse, and children) had qualifying health coverage for some or all of the year. This "minimum essential coverage" is required under the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare). Individuals who don't have coverage and don't qualify for an exemption from this requirement may be liable for the individual responsibility payment.
State Legislatures Convene for 2019 Session
Minnesota's legislature convened on January 8th, and is in its long-session year. It is expected to adjourn late to mid-May. Healthcare will continue to be a common focus, which includes affordability and the cost of prescription drugs.
Basically, there are no significant changes to share for 2019 in the health plan policy world. We hope that your business is doing well, and we wish you all the best for a happy and successful year!
