I. Affordable Care Act legislation and patron assistance
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed comprehensive health reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, into law. This requires U.S. citizens and legal residents to have qualifying health coverage. Mississippi public libraries may participate in MLC’s Health/Life Insurance Grant program if they meet the eligibility requirements.
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Eligible Mississippi public library employees that work full time (20 hours plus), have health insurance through the State of Mississippi. This plan is considered qualifying coverage according to ACA standards. Those employees working less than 20 hours will need to obtain qualifying health insurance independently, either through the Health Insurance Marketplace for Mississippi or a spouse/partner’s health insurance plan.
When handling library patron questions regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA), treat them similarly to those you receive about filing taxes. We advise that you do not input personal data for patrons or provide advice on health plans when they are filing. UMMC has Certified Insurance Exchange Navigators who are able to help any citizen in Mississippi who is interested in obtaining insurance through the Exchange. Patrons will need an email address to file for insurance online through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
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II. Library System Tax Forms
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has sent library systems notice regarding PPACA Report 6055. This form will assist your system in filing the appropriate forms (1095C and 1094C) with the IRS concerning the Affordable Care Act (ACA). MLC advises all library systems and independent public libraries, as political subdivisions in the State of Mississippi, to complete IRS forms 1095C and 1094C.
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Form 1094c is for “Applicable Large Employers,” which is defined as an employer that has at least 50 full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees, on average during the prior year. While many library systems employ fewer than 50 full-time employees, your employees will need the information from the form to file their individual returns with the IRS. Filling out the form will ensure that both you and your employees have all the information needed for completion of tax returns.
The library system should take the information provided by BCBS and transfer each employee’s information to Form 1095C. Two copies of Form 1095C must be created, one for the employee and one for the IRS. The employee must receive their copy by January 31, 2016. The IRS must receive its copy of Form 1095C for every employee and one Form 1094C for the entire library system by February 28, 2016. Additionally, the cost of employer health coverage will be reflected on the employee’s W-2 for 2015.
Questions about IRS forms should be directed to the IRS. Likewise, questions about the BCBS form should go directly to the Membership Division of Blue Cross.
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Resources
University of Mississippi Medical Center: https://www.ummchealth.com/healthplan/
Health Insurance Marketplace: http://www.healthcare.gov
Mississippi State Department of Health: http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/44,0,236,628.html