ACA Compliance: What Is It?

We’ve all heard about the importance of complying with the ACA and other regulations. But what does that mean? And what are the benefits of being ACA compliant? 

ACA compliance means you comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Continue reading this article if you want to learn more about ACA compliance in detail:

What is ACA Compliance?

ACA stands for the Affordable Care Act—a series of health insurance laws by the US government.

ACA compliance is the process by which a business operates within the law. In the context of health insurance and health care, it means working in compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

Implementing ACA compliance involves several steps:

  • Understanding how to comply with regulations set forth by Health and Human Services (HHS)
  • Knowing what your responsibilities are as a health insurance provider or service provider under the law
  • Taking steps to meet those responsibilities

Which Obligations Do Businesses Have Under the ACA?

For a company to qualify as an Applicable Large Employer (ALE), it must offer 95 percent of its full-time workers’ health insurance. The cover should satisfy federal criteria and be financially feasible for the company.

  • Insurance status is recorded monthly by FEIN and per employee.
  • Employers are responsible for meeting all the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) reporting requirements for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the obligations of applicable states that have similar legislation.
  • Employer Shared Responsibility (ESRP) fees under the ACA may be levied against those who do not comply.

What Are Some ACA Compliance Tips?

The best way to stay compliant with the ACA is to get a good plan. You should:

  • Designate an employee responsible for compliance. They should know the latest ACA rules and regulations and what they mean for your business.
  • Know your responsibilities
  • Stay up-to-date on changes.

Who Needs to Be Aware of the ACA Compliance Rules?

Different groups of people will be affected by the ACA compliance rules. They include:

Employers

You must offer coverage if your company has more than 50 full-time employees. It can be expensive for small businesses, but tax credits can help offset costs for low-income earners and small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time employees.

Individuals

Anyone who wants coverage through an employer must get it or face a tax fine. Check out Boom tax for a more detailed guide, especially on Form 1094 B. If they don’t have an employer plan available and don’t qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, they can get coverage through the state exchange marketplaces.

Others include:

  • A health insurer that sells plans on an exchange
  • A plan administrator (e.g. an HMO)
  • A self-insured group health plan
  • An individual or family who gets their insurance through an employer or a government program like Medicare or Medicaid

You Must Stay Compliant With the ACA

It will help you avoid penalties and fines. Compliance is a crucial aspect of running an effective business. Even though it can be challenging to stay on top of all the laws and regulations, doing so will benefit you in the long run. By staying compliant with these guidelines, you can protect yourself from costly fines and other penalties that could arise from non-compliance.

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