Staying ACA Compliant in 2018


April 4, 2018

Tips for Remaining ACA Compliant in 2018

While the presidency might have changed, businesses can still expect to have to take steps to remain compliant with the Affordable Care Act. With 2018 in full swing, Sackett & Associates Insurance Services is here to do what we can to provide you not only with top-notch and affordable employee benefits, but help you make sure you remain ACA compliant. Here’s what you can expect for the new year:



Check Your Eligibility 

One of the first things you’ll want to do is see if your business is required to follow the most current ACA requirements for health insurance. Specifically, you might be what’s known as an Applicable Large Employer who, during the previous calendar year, has an average of at least 50 full-time and full-time equivalent employees. Feel free to let us know if you need any help determining your eligibility. 



See That All Necessary Employees Have Minimum Coverage 

Next, at least 95 percent of your qualifying employees must have “minimum essential coverage” for you to remain compliant. Affordable percentages of an employee’s monthly household income for coverage are:

  • No more than 9.65 for the 2016 plan year
  • Less than 9.69 for the 2017 plan year
  • No more than 9.56 (lower because of the increased poverty level in most states) for the 2018 plan year


In regards to the minimum value of that coverage, that refers to how much the plan covers. That minimum value also has to take care of at least 60 percent of medical expenses on average for a traditional employee population. 



Fill Out and Submit All Necessary Compliance Forms 

Once you’ve successfully determined you’re eligible, and while you’re making sure your company’s workforce has minimum coverage, you’ll also want to see that you fill out and file all ACA compliance paperwork; specifically, 
Forms 1094-C and 1095-C. This not only requires time and effort on your part, but also with the help of your employees, so make sure everyone has plenty of time to get all information and documents turned in.



Keep All Deadlines in Mind

As for when you’ll be expected to file all necessary compliance forms to the IRS, the dates for Form 1094-C are:

  • February 28, 2018, for the mailed deadline
  • April 2, 2018, for the digital deadline


Form 1095-C needs to be given to your employees by March 2, 2018, and the filing deadlines are:

  • February 28, 2018, for the mailed deadline
  • April 2, 2018, for the digital deadline


We recommend that you set these deadlines earlier than they actually are. That way, you give yourself a bit of a grace period if for any reason you miss that deadline. You always want to be on your toes whenever the IRS, your employees or your business are on the line, and that’s especially true when you think about the fact that you can be financially penalized for non-compliance.

For more dependable information on what you can do to better ensure you remain fully ACA compliant this year, contact us online, like us on 
Facebook, find us on LinkedIn and be sure to subscribe to our blog


Share This Post

Taking The Pain Out Of Health Insurance

We make it simple to find the right insurance plans for your needs

In just a few quick steps.

Comments


Posts You Might Also Like


A group of people are sitting around a table in a conference room.
By Sackett Insurance Services June 27, 2025
Design standout employee benefits for your startup to attract talent, boost retention, and build a supportive work culture.
A stethoscope is laying on a piece of paper that says medicaid
By Sackett Insurance Services June 10, 2025
Medicaid cuts in 2025 may disrupt patient care, close hospitals, and hurt communities. Learn what’s at stake and how to prepare.
A group of people are standing in front of a large screen.
By Sackett Insurance Services May 29, 2025
Explore 2025 health insurance trends: AI, mental health, premium hikes, and flexible benefits for smarter coverage decisions.
An isometric view of a capitol building surrounded by people.
By Sackett Insurance Services May 16, 2025
Explore how 2025 healthcare policy changes impact coverage, costs, technology, and fairness in the U.S. system.
A man , woman and child are sitting at a table in a kitchen.
By Sackett Insurance Services April 23, 2025
Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten care for millions. Learn who’s at risk and how these changes could reshape healthcare access across the U.S.
An elderly woman is sitting on a couch using a tablet computer.
By Sackett Insurance Services April 11, 2025
Telehealth access is at risk. Urge Congress to protect Medicare and ensure care remains accessible for seniors and underserved communities.