Executive Summary. Health benefits come in many different forms, each of which can be a creditable expense under the Wage Parity Act (“Act” or “WPA”). Some forms require detailed plans and government filing each year, and must be funded with premiums paid for on a regular basis by a home care agency. Others cap the amount an agency may contribute and only pay or reimburse health expenses as they occur. Each form of health benefit has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and tax consequences, both to the agency and the worker. Beyond the WPA, to be exempt from penalties under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”), the health benefit provided must also (i) constitute “minimum essential coverage” under the ACA; (ii) be “affordable” as defined in the ACA; and (iii) provide “minimum value” coverage (meaning that it covers at least 60% of expenses, determined on an actuarial basis).
Please click here for the full article: Home Care Professionals Series – Part 3
Home Care Employment Law 