The beginning of 2016 continues to prove that the health insurance marketplace is in a constant state of change. And in this rapidly evolving environment, Health Net continues to be flexible and proactive – We understand the industry, anticipate market needs, and provide solutions that transform how we do business and help you increase sales.
Keeping our business partners informed of industry updates is part of our proactive approach, and there have already been some key Affordable Care Act (ACA) changes in 2016 that you should be aware of.
As part of ACA, the excise tax, commonly known as the “Cadillac Tax,” was set to begin January 1, 2018. However, as part of the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016” passed on December 18, 2015, Congress delayed implementation of the excise tax until the 2020 tax year.
Initial analysis shows that the Appropriations Act did not change existing IRS guidance, and we expect that the IRS will continue its rulemaking. We will provide more information about the excise tax as it becomes available.
Health plan companies like Health Net are required to report Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) data to the IRS for individuals – including covered dependents beginning in 2016. This requirement is Section 6055 of ACA.
Update from the IRS
IRS Notice 2016-4, released December 28, 2015, provides additional time for health plans to comply with MEC filing requirements for tax year 2015. Health plans must provide Form 1095-B: Health Coverage to individuals by March 31, 2016, and file Form 1094-B with the IRS by June 30, 2016. Health plans are not required to report for individuals enrolled in government programs, including plans obtained on the Exchange (Marketplace plans), state health plans, Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California).
Health Net will provide a Form 1095-B to subscribers and file the information with the IRS for the following:
More Information about MEC
The IRS has issued 2016 filing extensions for reporting:
Form number and description | Original IRS deadline | New IRS deadline (2015 tax year only) |
---|---|---|
1095C – Statement of Employer Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage; sent by LRG employer to all full-time employees | By January 31, 2016 | By March 31, 2016 |
1094C – transmittal; sent by LRG employer to IRS | By March 31, 2016, if filing electronically (February 28, 2016, if not filing electronically) |
By June 30, 2016, if filing electronically (May 31, 2016, if not filling electronically) |
For more information regarding these updates, visit our Health Care Reform Guide.
You may also visit these websites for more information on our referenced regulations:
We remain committed to the health and success of your business. Join us as we continue to define our place in the future of health care. Health Net is providing the way forward! As always, if you have any questions or would like more information, please call me or your contact your local sales consultant.
Sincerely,
Larry Tallman
Chief Sales Officer, Western Region
Large Group and Major Accounts
(818) 676-6543
larry.x.tallman@healthnet.com
Log In:
Members
Individual & Family Plan member
CA: Log in at myhealthnetca.com
AZ: Log in at ambetterhealth.com
Medicare Advantage member
Log in at membersecurelogin.com
Employer Group Plan member
All other plan members
Log In:
Providers
I need to access...
Information about Allwell, Ambetter or HNA members
Information about members in other plans
Log In:
Providers
Member information is available on provider.healthnetarizona.com.
Already have an account?
Log in now
(your username is your email address)
Note: HNA providers can log in by using their existing HNA user name (your email address) and password to access Allwell and Ambetter member information.
Need to create a new account?
Register now
Log In:
Providers
I need to access...
Information about IFP or individual Medicare Advantage members
Information about members in other plans
Log In:
Providers
Member information is available on provider.healthnetcalifornia.com.
Already have an account?
Log in now
(your username is your email address)
Need to create a new account?
Register now
Log In:
Providers
I need to access...
Information about MA HMO and MA PPO members
Information about members in other plans
Log In:
Providers
Member information is available on provider.healthnetoregon.com.
Already have an account?
Log in now
(your username is your email address)
Need to create a new account?
Register now