Small Business and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) | HealthCare.gov
The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) was established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to provide medical and dental coverage for small employers. If you have 1-50 full-time or time-equivalent employees, you can enroll in SHOP to offer health insurance to your staff while potentially lowering premium costs through the small business health care tax credit.
Mandatory Market Reports for Employees
Even if you don’t offer health insurance, certain employers are required to provide market information to their employees.
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90-Day Waiting Period
If you do offer health insurance, it must be available to all eligible employees within 90 days of their eligibility for health coverage. Find out more about the IRS 90-day waiting period.
Summary of Coverage and Benefits Disclosure Rules (SBC)
Employers must provide employees with a standardized “Summary of Benefits and Coverage” (SBC) form to explain their health plan’s coverage and costs. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in penalties. Get all the details on SBIs and access a sample form.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
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Employees can contribute up to the annual dollar limit set by the IRS to their flexible spending accounts. However, this limit doesn’t apply to employer contributions. Employers have options regarding the rollover of unspent FSA funds to the next plan year. Consult the IRS for further information.
Workplace Wellness Programs
The ACA encourages employer wellness programs and activities that promote healthier workplaces. Employers can now provide rewards of up to 30% of the cost of health coverage for wellness programs based on employee health. Programs designed to prevent or reduce tobacco use can offer rewards up to 50%. Visit the Department of Labor for more details on wellness incentives.
Employer Shared Responsibility Payment
Businesses with 50 or more full-time and full-time equivalent employees that fail to offer insurance meeting specific minimum standards may be subject to the Employer Shared Responsibility Payment. Refer to the IRS for more information.
Reporting Health Coverage Information
Under the health care law, certain organizations, including employers with 50 or more full-time and full-time equivalent employees, health insurance companies, and self-insured employers of any size, must report health coverage information. Learn more about these IRS reporting requirements.
Medical Claims Fee Reimbursements
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Insurance companies are required to spend at least 80% of premium dollars on healthcare. If the requirement is not met, they must reimburse policyholders, typically the employer with a group health plan. Employers receiving premium refunds must allocate them correctly. Find out more about the federal tax treatment of IRS medical loss ratio reimbursements.
Keeping Your Current Health Insurance
If you already offer health insurance to your employees outside of SHOP, you can keep your existing coverage. However, offering a purchase plan is the only way to qualify for the small business health care tax credit.
Small Business Resources from the IRS
The IRS provides various resources to assist employers, including the “Affordable Care Act: What Employers Need to Know” guide, a comprehensive guide to employer ACA tax provisions, and a Q&A section specifically for employers.
Additional Resources for Small Businesses
Explore the wide range of health insurance products and services available to small businesses and their employees. Take a closer look at other options that may suit your needs.
By familiarizing yourself with the ACA provisions relevant to small businesses, you can ensure compliance and make informed decisions about providing health insurance for your employees.
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