The federal health care reform law’s so-called “pay or play” rules for employers take effect January 1, 2014. These rules require “large employers”–those with an average of 50 or more full-time and full-time equivalent employees–to offer full-time employees and their dependents health insurance coverage that meets certain standards. If a large employer does not do so and one or more of its employees receives subsidized health insurance coverage through a state health care exchange, the employer will need to pay the federal government a fee.
Despite the uncertainty that surrounds implementation of this key aspect of the health care reform law, employers should be planning now for how they will comply starting in 2014. This Q+A is intended to help employers in the CSBG network better understand how the “pay or play” rules affect them and what actions will need to be taken to ensure compliance. Ultimately, each employer should consult with a qualified professional to determine the best way for it to comply with the “pay or play” mandate.
