HANYS Benefit Services

The new ACA Information Center for Applicable Large Employers page on IRS.gov features information and resources for employers of all sizes on how the health care law may affect them if they fit the definition of an applicable large employer. The web page includes the following sections: What’s Trending for ALEs,  How to Determine if You are an ALE,  Resources for Applicable Large Employers, and  Outreach Materials.  Visitors to the new page will find links to:

For taxable years beginning in 2018, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) imposes a 40 percent excise tax on high-cost group health coverage. This tax, also known as the “Cadillac tax,” is intended to encourage companies to choose lower-cost health plans for their employees. On July 30, 2015, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued  Notice 2015-52  to continue the process of developing guidance to implement the Cadillac tax. This notice supplements  Notice 2015-16 , issued on Feb. 23, 2015.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made a number of significant changes to group health plans since the law was enacted over four years ago. 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. Additional reforms take effect in 2016 for employers sponsoring group health plans. To prepare for 2016, employers should review upcoming requirements and develop a compliance strategy. This Legislative Brief provides a health care reform compliance checklist for 2016. If you have questions about this document or changes that were required in previous years, please contact HANYS Benefit Services by calling (800) 388-1963 or email us at  hbs@hanys.org  for assistance.