On Sept. 10, 2018, the IRS released a draft version of the instructions for Forms 1094-B and 1095-B, which are used by insurers and small self-insured employers to report that they offered MEC . These instructions are largely unchanged from the 2017 version. The one change mentioned is that insurance carriers are now encouraged (but not required) to report catastrophic health plan coverage offered through the Marketplace.

On Sept. 11, 2018, the IRS released a draft version of the instructions for Forms 1094-C and 1095-C, which are used by large employers to comply with Section 6056 reporting under the PPACA. The instructions are largely unchanged from the 2017 versions. The Plan Start Month in Part II of the Form 1095-C continues to be an optional field. Employers relying upon the multiemployer arrangement interim guidance will continue to report 1H (no offer of coverage) on Line 14 of the Form 1095-C, with Line 15 blank and code 2E on Line 16.

The forms must be filed with the IRS by Feb. 28, 2019 if filing by paper and April 1, 2019 if filing electronically. The Forms 1095-B and 1095-C must be distributed to applicable employees by Jan. 31, 2019. The penalties for failure to comply have increased from $260 to $270 per failure. This means that an employer who fails to file a completed form with the IRS and distribute a form to an employee/individual would be at risk for a $540 penalty.

We’ll keep you updated of any developments, including release of the finalized forms and instructions.

2018 Forms 1094-B and 1095-B Draft Instructions »
2018 Forms 1094-C and 1095-C Draft Instructions »

Source: NFP BenefitsPartners