Health Insurance Premium Credits in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Health Insurance Premium Credits in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) PDF Author: Bernadette Fernandez
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781478217763
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 34

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Book Description
New federal tax credits were authorized in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA, P.L. 111-148, as amended), to help certain individuals pay for health insurance coverage, beginning in 2014. ACA requires “American Health Benefit Exchanges” to be established in every state by January 1, 2014, either by the state itself or by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Exchanges will not be insurers, but will provide eligible individuals and small businesses with access to private health insurance plans. Generally, the plans offered through the exchanges will provide comprehensive coverage and meet all ACA market reforms, as applicable. One of the requirements that most exchange plans must meet is to provide a certain level of coverage generosity based on actuarial value. Each level of coverage generosity is designated according to a precious metal and corresponds to a specific actuarial value: Bronze (actuarial value of 60%), Silver (70%), Gold (80%), and Platinum (90%). To make exchange coverage more affordable, certain individuals will receive premium assistance in the form of federal tax credits. The premium credit will be an advanceable, refundable tax credit, meaning taxpayers need not wait until the end of the tax year in order to benefit from the credit, and may claim the full credit amount even if they have little or no federal income tax liability. Although the premium credits will not be available until 2014, the illustrations provided in this report are based on current federal poverty levels, to reflect how the estimated premium credit amounts compare to current income levels. Under ACA, the amount received in premium credits is based on income tax returns. These amounts are reconciled in the next year and can result in overpayment of premium credits if income increases, which must be repaid to the federal government. ACA limited the amount of required repayments. Since the enactment of ACA, these limits have been increased in order to raise revenues for other legislative initiatives (e.g., P.L. 111-309 and P.L. 112-9). Most recently, on June 7, 2012, the House passed H.R. 436, the Health Care Cost Reduction Act of 2012, which includes a measure that would remove all limits on repayment, making individuals fully liable for the full amount of any premium credit overpayment. Relative affordability of health insurance premiums individuals and families might face within health insurance exchanges will likely vary from exchange to exchange based on a host of factors, including enrollees' age, the varying prices paid by plans for medical goods and services, the breadth of the provider network, the provisions regarding how out-of-network care is paid for (or not), and the use of tools by the plan to reduce health care utilization (e.g., prior authorization for certain tests). Examples provided in the Appendix of this report depict a range by which premiums might reasonably be expected to vary based on enrollees' age, and variation in medical costs across geographic areas, for purposes of illustration only. Actual premiums will likely vary among health insurance exchanges based on a wide range of factors other than those depicted in this report.

Health Insurance Premium Credits in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Health Insurance Premium Credits in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) PDF Author: Bernadette Fernandez
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781478217763
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 34

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Book Description
New federal tax credits were authorized in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA, P.L. 111-148, as amended), to help certain individuals pay for health insurance coverage, beginning in 2014. ACA requires “American Health Benefit Exchanges” to be established in every state by January 1, 2014, either by the state itself or by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Exchanges will not be insurers, but will provide eligible individuals and small businesses with access to private health insurance plans. Generally, the plans offered through the exchanges will provide comprehensive coverage and meet all ACA market reforms, as applicable. One of the requirements that most exchange plans must meet is to provide a certain level of coverage generosity based on actuarial value. Each level of coverage generosity is designated according to a precious metal and corresponds to a specific actuarial value: Bronze (actuarial value of 60%), Silver (70%), Gold (80%), and Platinum (90%). To make exchange coverage more affordable, certain individuals will receive premium assistance in the form of federal tax credits. The premium credit will be an advanceable, refundable tax credit, meaning taxpayers need not wait until the end of the tax year in order to benefit from the credit, and may claim the full credit amount even if they have little or no federal income tax liability. Although the premium credits will not be available until 2014, the illustrations provided in this report are based on current federal poverty levels, to reflect how the estimated premium credit amounts compare to current income levels. Under ACA, the amount received in premium credits is based on income tax returns. These amounts are reconciled in the next year and can result in overpayment of premium credits if income increases, which must be repaid to the federal government. ACA limited the amount of required repayments. Since the enactment of ACA, these limits have been increased in order to raise revenues for other legislative initiatives (e.g., P.L. 111-309 and P.L. 112-9). Most recently, on June 7, 2012, the House passed H.R. 436, the Health Care Cost Reduction Act of 2012, which includes a measure that would remove all limits on repayment, making individuals fully liable for the full amount of any premium credit overpayment. Relative affordability of health insurance premiums individuals and families might face within health insurance exchanges will likely vary from exchange to exchange based on a host of factors, including enrollees' age, the varying prices paid by plans for medical goods and services, the breadth of the provider network, the provisions regarding how out-of-network care is paid for (or not), and the use of tools by the plan to reduce health care utilization (e.g., prior authorization for certain tests). Examples provided in the Appendix of this report depict a range by which premiums might reasonably be expected to vary based on enrollees' age, and variation in medical costs across geographic areas, for purposes of illustration only. Actual premiums will likely vary among health insurance exchanges based on a wide range of factors other than those depicted in this report.

Health Insurance Premium Credits in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014

Health Insurance Premium Credits in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014 PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Health insurance premiums
Languages : en
Pages : 17

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Book Description


Individual Mandate and Premium Tax Credits in the Affordable Care Act

Individual Mandate and Premium Tax Credits in the Affordable Care Act PDF Author: Susan Bennett
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781634846035
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 111

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Book Description
Since 2014, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) has required most individuals to maintain health insurance coverage or potentially to pay a penalty for noncompliance. Specifically, most individuals are required to maintain minimum essential coverage for themselves and their dependents. Minimum essential coverage is a term defined in the ACA and its implementing regulations and includes most private and public coverage (e.g., employer-sponsored coverage, individual coverage, Medicare, and Medicaid, among others). Some individuals are exempt from the mandate and the penalty, and others may receive financial assistance to help them pay for the cost of health insurance coverage and the costs associated with using health care services. This book describes the individual mandate as established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It also discusses the ACA reporting requirements designed, in part, to assist individuals in providing evidence of having met the mandate; describes the eligibility criteria applicable to the premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies, and the calculation method for the credit and subsidy amounts; highlights selected issues addressed in the final regulation and guidance on premium credits and indicates the status of implementation, where relevant data is available; examines IRS's implementation of these PPACA requirements; and IRS efforts to collaborate with key external stakeholders.

Health Insurance Premium Credits in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2015

Health Insurance Premium Credits in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2015 PDF Author: Bernadette Fernandez
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Health insurance
Languages : en
Pages : 35

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Book Description
This report describes who will be eligible for the premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies, and how the credit and subsidy amounts will be calculated. It also highlights selected issues addressed in the final regulation on premium credits. The Appendix provides analysis of the concept of "affordability" as applicable to the premium credits.

Health Insurance Exchanges, Premium Tax Credits and Changes to Health Plans

Health Insurance Exchanges, Premium Tax Credits and Changes to Health Plans PDF Author: Elliot Carpenter
Publisher: Nova Snova
ISBN: 9781536173741
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 254

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Book Description
Since 2014, millions of individuals have purchased coverage through the health insurance exchanges established under Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). PPACA altered the individual health insurance market by setting federal standards for coverage and subsidizing exchange coverage for certain low-income individuals. In the first 5 years of exchanges, issuers have moved in and out of the market and increased premiums, but little is known about issuers' claims costs or the factors driving their business decisions. Chapter 1 examines (1) claims costs of issuers participating in exchanges, and (2) factors driving selected issuers' changes in exchange participation, premiums, and plan design. GAO reviewed data from nine issuers participating in five states, which were selected to represent a range in size, tax status, and exchange participation. During open enrollment, eligible returning consumers may re-enroll in their existing health insurance exchange plan or choose a different plan. Those who do not actively enroll in a plan may be automatically re-enrolled into a plan. Chapter 2 examines 1) the extent to which plans identified as benchmark plans remained the same plans from year to year, and how premiums for benchmark plans changed; 2) the proportion of exchange consumers who were automatically re-enrolled into the same or similar plans, and how these proportions compared to those for consumers who actively re-enrolled, and 3) the extent to which consumers' financial responsibility for premiums changed for those who were automatically re-enrolled compared to those who actively re-enrolled. Chapter 3 discussed the amendments to title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure health insurance coverage continuity for former foster youth. Certain individuals without access to subsidized health insurance coverage may be eligible for premium tax credits, as established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA; P.L. 111-148, as amended). The dollar amount of the premium credit varies from individual to individual, based on a formula specified in statute. Individuals who are eligible for the premium credit, however, generally are still required to contribute some amount toward the purchase of health insurance as described in chapter 4. During the summer of 2018, the Trump Administration issued final rules governing coverage offered through association health plans (AHPs) and short-term, limited-duration insurance. Chapter 5 describes how the Congressional Budget Office and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) analyzed the new rules and determined how those rules would affect the agencies' projections of the number of people who obtain health insurance and the costs of federal subsidies for that coverage.

Health Insurance Exchanges Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Health Insurance Exchanges Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) PDF Author: Bernadette Fernandez
Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub
ISBN: 9781480152809
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 40

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Book Description
The fundamental purpose of a health insurance exchange is to provide a structured marketplace for the sale and purchase of health insurance. The authority and responsibilities of an exchange may vary, depending on statutory or other requirements for its establishment and structure. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA, P.L. 111-148, as amended) requires health insurance exchanges to be established in every state by January 1, 2014. ACA provides certain requirements for the establishment of exchanges, while leaving other choices to be made by the states. Qualified individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase private health insurance through exchanges. Issuers selling health insurance plans through an exchange will have to follow certain rules, such as meeting the private market reform requirements in ACA. While the fundamental purpose of the exchanges will be to facilitate the offer and purchase of health insurance, nothing in the law prohibits qualified individuals, qualified employers, and insurance carriers from participating in the health insurance market outside of exchanges. Moreover, ACA explicitly states that enrollment in exchanges is voluntary and no individual may be compelled to enroll in exchange coverage. Exchanges may be established either by the state itself as a “state exchange” or by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a “federally facilitated exchange.” All exchanges are required to carry out many of the same functions and adhere to many of the same standards, although there are important differences between the types of exchanges. States will need to declare their intentions to establish their own exchanges by no later than November 16, 2012. ACA and regulations require exchanges to carry out a number of different functions. The primary functions relate to determining eligibility and enrolling individuals in appropriate plans, plan management, consumer assistance and accountability, and financial management. ACA gives various federal agencies, primarily HHS, responsibilities relating to the general operation of exchanges. Federal agencies are generally responsible for promulgating regulations, creating criteria and systems, and awarding grants to states to help them create and implement exchanges. A state that is approved to operate its own exchange has a number of operational decisions to make, including decisions related to organizational structure (governmental agency or a nonprofit entity); types of exchanges (separate individual and Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchanges, or a merged exchange); collaboration (a state may independently operate an exchange or enter into contracts with other states); service area (a state may establish one or more subsidiary exchanges in the state if each exchange serves a geographically distinct area and meets certain size requirements); contracted services (an exchange may contract with certain entities to carry out one or more responsibilities of the exchange); and governance (governing board and standards of conduct). In general, health plans offered through exchanges will provide comprehensive coverage and meet all applicable private market reforms specified in ACA. Most exchange plans will provide coverage for “essential health benefits,” at minimum; be subject to certain limits on cost-sharing, including out-of-pocket costs; and meet one of four levels of plan generosity based on actuarial value. To make exchange coverage more affordable, certain individuals will receive premium assistance in the form of federal tax credits. Moreover, some recipients of premium credits may also receive subsidies toward cost-sharing expenses.

Affordable Care “Tax”

Affordable Care “Tax” PDF Author: Joseph A. Gabra, CPA
Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
ISBN: 1489703918
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 93

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Book Description
The Affordable Care Act is now a reality, and it holds implications for all Americans. If you don't obtain minimum essential coverage, you'll find yourself penalized when you file a tax return, and there are other rules you need to follow regarding income tax. In this guidebook to understanding the ACA--also known as Obamacare--certified public accountant and insurance agent Joseph A. Gabra walks you through what you need to know to make an informed decision about the costs and benefits of obtaining insurance coverage. There's important information for people trying to make decisions about health care, for insurance agents seeking to provide wise counsel to clients, and for those who are self prepare their own tax return. Learn how to: understand the tax penalty calculation and its exemption; calculate the true cost of health insurance; keep more money in your pocket without breaking any laws. With a glossary of key terms, practical case studies in a question-and-answer format, and key insights about a misunderstood law, this guidebook helps you make critical decisions about some of the most important things in life: your health, the health of your loved ones, and your money.

The Impacts of the Affordable Care Act on Preparedness Resources and Programs

The Impacts of the Affordable Care Act on Preparedness Resources and Programs PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780309303606
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Many of the elements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect in 2014, and with the establishment of many new rules and regulations, there will continue to be significant changes to the United States health care system. It is not clear what impact these changes will have on medical and public health preparedness programs around the country. Although there has been tremendous progress since 2005 and Hurricane Katrina, there is still a long way to go to ensure the health security of the Country. There is a commonly held notion that preparedness is separate and distinct from everyday operations, and that it only affects emergency departments. But time and time again, catastrophic events challenge the entire health care system, from acute care and emergency medical services down to the public health and community clinic level, and the lack of preparedness of one part of the system places preventable stress on other components. The implementation of the ACA provides the opportunity to consider how to incorporate preparedness into all aspects of the health care system. The Impacts of the Affordable Care Act on Preparedness Resources and Programs is the summary of a workshop convened by the Institute of Medicine's Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Catastrophic Events in November 2013 to discuss how changes to the health system as a result of the ACA might impact medical and public health preparedness programs across the nation. This report discusses challenges and benefits of the Affordable Care Act to disaster preparedness and response efforts around the country and considers how changes to payment and reimbursement models will present opportunities and challenges to strengthen disaster preparedness and response capacities.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) w/full table of contents

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) w/full table of contents PDF Author:
Publisher: Primedia E-launch LLC
ISBN: 1622095405
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 2538

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Book Description


Health Insurance Premium Credits in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

Health Insurance Premium Credits in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description