[MyOEBB] OEBB Update on Federal Healthcare Reform -- Employer ‘Play-or-Pay’ Mandate Penalties and Certain Employer Reporting Requirements Delayed Until 2015!

[MyOEBB system updates]

We wanted to pass along information about the recent IRS ruling that will provide employers additional time to prepare to avoid the “Play or Pay” penalties under federal healthcare reform.


On July 2, 2013, the Obama Administration unexpectedly announced that employers will be provided an additional year, until 2015, before any penalties are assessed under the employer play-or-pay mandate in PPACA (i.e., both the $2,000 and $3,000 per year employer penalties are delayed to 2015).  While we believe this will mean October 1, 2015, for educational entities participating in OEBB, that has not yet been confirmed and we will pass additional details on to you as they become available. In addition, the mandatory employer and insurer reporting requirements (including identification of full-time employees and their months of coverage) under IRC section 6055 and 6056 are also delayed for a year.


According to the news release, the delay will not affect employees’ access to the premium tax credits available under the ACA (nor any other provision of the ACA). Rules regarding the delay will be proposed this summer.  Towers Watson will be monitoring all developments. OEBB is working closely with Towers Watson to prepare additional information and guidance to all educational entities participating in OEBB benefit plans on this important topic.  We anticipate the first monthly Bulletin to be distributed within the next week or two.  Towers Watson and OEBB will also be presenting information on healthcare reform at the OASBO conference at the end of this month and are preparing for at least one more informational webinar on this subject.

Although the effective date of this provision has been delayed, it is OEBB’s intent to continue to provide additional information and tools that will help educational entities through the measurement process and compliance with the “Play or Pay” mandates.


Denise L. Hall
Deputy Administrator
Oregon Educators Benefit Board
1225 Ferry Street SE
Salem, OR  97301-4281
(503) 378-5133
(503) 378-5832 FAX

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