The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made a number of significant changes to group health plans since the law was enacted in 2010. 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.
Certain changes to some ACA requirements take effect in 2017 for employers sponsoring group health plans, such as increased dollar limits. To prepare for 2017, employers should review upcoming requirements and develop a compliance strategy.
This ACA Overview provides a short checklist of the ACA’s key changes in 2017. As 2016 draws to a close, employers should review this checklist to help confirm they are ready to comply with the ACA’s 2017 requirements. Please contact Howell Benefit Services, Inc. for assistance or if you have questions about changes that were required in previous years.
CHANGES FOR 2017
Certain percentages and dollar amounts have changed for 2017:
- Cost-sharing limits
- Coverage affordability percentages
- Maximum penalties for ACA reporting violations
- Health FSA salary contribution limits
EXPECTED CHANGES FOR 2017
Other updated amounts have not yet been announced, but may change for 2017 (such as the dollar amounts for calculating employer shared responsibility penalties).
Links and Resources
- HHS’ Final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2017 established the cost-sharing limits for 2017
- Revised SBC template, instructions and uniform glossary (for use beginning on or after April 1, 2017)
- 2016 Forms 1094-B and 1095-B (and related instructions) for reporting under Section 6055; 2016 Forms 1094-C and 1095-C (and related instructions) for reporting under Section 6056
