The IRS released updated instructions for the 2015 ACA reporting forms today and reversed its earlier guidance regarding reporting for HRAs.
Per the instructions, an employer with an insured major medical plan and HRA coverage for which an individual is eligible because the individual enrolls in the insured major medical plan is not required to report the coverage under the HRA for an individual covered by both arrangements. If an individual is covered by an HRA sponsored by one employer and a non-HRA group health plan sponsored by another employer (such as spousal coverage), each employer must report the coverage the employer provides.
This is welcome relief for employers that provide HRA coverage to employees enrolled in their fully insured group health plan, as separate reporting is not required for the HRA.
Stacy Barrow advises UBF clients on various topics around ERISA and the ACA. One of the nation’s leading experts on the Affordable Care Act, Stacy uses a practical, business-focused approach to counsel his clients on all matters related to employee benefit plans. Stacy also has extensive technical knowledge and experience designing and implementing health and welfare plans that meet the numerous and intricate requirements of applicable federal and state law.