DEMYSTIFYING ACA TERMINOLOGY: ALE GLOSSARY

Navigating the intricacies of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) can often feel like deciphering a complex code. One of the key aspects that businesses need to understand is the concept of “Applicable Large Employers” (ALEs) and the associated terminology.

Table of Contents

• What is an ALE?
• Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) Terminology
• Additional ALE Terminology
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ACA Compliance
• Need Further Clarifications?

In this guide, we aim to demystify these ALE-related terms, aiding you in comprehending your ACA compliance obligations and preventing costly penalties.

WHAT IS AN ALE? At the core of ACA compliance lies the distinction between small and large employers. An ALE, or Applicable Large Employer, is an employer that meets specific criteria regarding the size of its workforce. According to the ACA, an ALE is defined as an employer that employed, on average, at least 50 full-time employees (including full-time equivalent employees) during the preceding calendar year.

MINIMUM ESSENTIAL COVERAGE (MEC) TERMINOLOGY MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) is a term frequently encountered in ACA discussions. It refers to health coverage that meets the minimum requirements set forth by the ACA. In simple terms, if your plan qualifies as MEC, it satisfies the basic ACA coverage criteria.

On the other hand, Minimal Value Coverage signifies that your employer-sponsored health plan covers at least 60 percent of the total allowed cost of benefits under the plan. In practical terms, it ensures that your plan provides substantial coverage to your employees.

Essential Health Benefits: MEC plans must encompass essential health benefits, including services such as preventive care, emergency services, maternity and newborn care, prescription drugs, and more. Understanding the scope of essential health benefits in your plan is crucial.

ADDITIONAL ALE TERMINOLOGY Minimum Value Standard: This serves as the benchmark to determine if an employer-sponsored plan offers sufficient coverage. A plan must cover a minimum of 60% of the total allowed cost of benefits to meet the minimum value standard.

Safe Harbor Methods: These are simplified approaches that employers can utilize to ascertain whether their health coverage meets the affordability requirement. The three common safe harbor methods include Form W-2, Rate of Pay, and Federal Poverty Line (FPL) safe harbors.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Calculation: Employers employ this calculation to determine how many full-time equivalent employees they have when incorporating part-time and variable-hour employees into the equation. It’s essential for determining ALE status.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Reporting: This term encompasses the process of reporting ACA compliance to the IRS and furnishing employees with pertinent information about their coverage via forms 1094-C and 1095-C.

Dependent Coverage: The ACA necessitates ALEs to offer affordable coverage to the dependents of full-time employees. Employers must comprehend who qualifies as a dependent under the ACA.

Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) Offer: ALEs must extend MEC to at least 95% of their full-time employees to meet ACA requirements. A clear understanding of what constitutes MEC is imperative.

Affordability Safe Harbors: These specific methods permit employers to determine if the coverage they provide is affordable for their employees. They encompass the Form W-2, Rate of Pay, and Federal Poverty Line (FPL) safe harbors.

Full-Time Employee Look-Back Measurement Periods: Employers can leverage these periods to ascertain the full-time status of employees for ACA compliance. The standard measurement period, stability period, and administrative period are integral components of this calculation.

Premium Tax Credits: These subsidies are extended to eligible individuals and families to assist them in affording health coverage procured through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Employers should be cognizant of how their employees’ access to these credits can impact ACA compliance.

Minimum Value Calculator: This tool empowers employers to determine if their health plans fulfill the minimum value requirement, ensuring that the plan covers at least 60% of allowed costs.

Reporting Entity: Employers may need to ascertain which entity within their organization is responsible for ACA reporting. This can vary depending on the company’s structure.

Grandfathered Plans: Some plans that existed before the ACA was enacted may be considered grandfathered and thus exempt from certain ACA requirements. Grasping the criteria for grandfathered plans is pivotal.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) ABOUT ACA COMPLIANCE

• What is the ACA, and how does it impact employers? The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a federal law designed to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Americans. For employers, it introduces regulations related to employee health insurance coverage. It defines Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) and mandates they provide affordable health coverage to their full-time employees.
• How is an Applicable Large Employer (ALE) determined? An ALE is an employer that, on average, employed at least 50 full-time employees (including full-time equivalent employees) during the preceding calendar year. Full-time employees work, on average, at least 30 hours per week or 130 hours per month.
• What is Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC), and why is it important? MEC refers to health coverage that meets the minimum requirements set by the ACA. It’s crucial because ALEs must offer MEC to at least 95% of their full-time employees to meet ACA requirements. MEC ensures employees have basic healthcare coverage.
• How can I determine if my health plan meets the Minimum Value Standard? The Minimum Value Standard requires an employer-sponsored plan to cover at least 60% of the total allowed cost of benefits. You can use the Minimum Value Calculator or consult with a benefits professional to assess your plan’s compliance.
• What are Safe Harbor Methods, and how can they help with affordability calculations? Safe Harbor Methods are simplified approaches employers can use to determine whether their health coverage meets affordability requirements. Common safe harbor methods include the Form W-2, Rate of Pay, and Federal Poverty Line (FPL) safe harbors, which provide alternative ways to assess affordability.
• What penalties could my business face for non-compliance with ACA regulations? Non-compliance with ACA regulations can result in significant penalties. Penalties may apply if you fail to offer MEC, the coverage is not affordable, or if at least one full-time employee receives premium tax credits through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
• Are there any exemptions or special provisions for small businesses? Small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees are generally exempt from the ACA’s employer mandate requirements. However, they may still choose to offer healthcare benefits voluntarily.
• How can I ensure I’m accurately reporting ACA compliance to the IRS and employees? To report compliance, employers must use forms 1094-C and 1095-C. It’s crucial to maintain accurate records and ensure that the information submitted is timely and error-free. Consider consulting with a tax professional or ACA compliance specialist for assistance.
• What should I know about Premium Tax Credits and their impact on ACA compliance? Premium Tax Credits are subsidies provided to eligible individuals and families to help them