1. The Individual Mandate penalties increase to $695 per adult ($347.50 per child) or 2.5% of household income, whichever is greater. 
2. The Employer Mandate expands to include all employers who have 50 or more employees. 
3. The Employer Mandate offer rate increases from 70% to 95%. 
4. Employer reporting related to the offer of coverage is due for the first time during Q1 2016. 

The 2016 Medicare Part D annual enrollment period will begin on October 15, 2015 and run through December 7, 2015. Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in a Part D drug plan or make changes to existing coverage during this time period. Enrollment can be done through a stand-alone drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that integrates coverage for medical and drug expenses.      

The IRS has released Notice 2015-17 with some new information about Employer Payment Plans, which are plans that are used to reimburse employees with pre-tax dollars for individual market coverage (e.g. HRA). Previous guidance had essentially eliminated Employer Payment Plans as an option for actively employed workers because they would not be able to comply with all of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) market reforms. Notice 2015-17 elaborates on the IRS’ position of Employer Payment Plans.

How do the annual maximum Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution limits apply to an eligible individual with family High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) coverage for the entire year if the family HDHP covers spouses or dependent children who also have coverage by a non-HDHP (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid, HMO)?