On Jan. 13, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget resolution for fiscal year 2017 to begin the process of repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The budget resolution—which was approved by the U.S. Senate on the preceding day—does not, itself, repeal the ACA. However, any budget reconciliation bill drafted as a result of the resolution is likely to include a number of provisions to repeal—and possibly replace—at least some ACA provisions.
As we end 2016 and jump into 2017, the new year presents us with a fresh start, dreaming big, and aiming high. Starting a new year as a blank canvas waiting to be painted, it’s meaningful to pause to celebrate the achievements and the people around us, pause to reflect on the bends in the road, pause to see what we can learn from the past year.
Consiliarium Group is grateful to our clients. We recognize there are many employee benefits brokers to choose from, but our clients believe in our company, our team, and what we can offer to their company and employees. Consiliarium Group is built on trust and doing what’s right for our customers. We are thankful to our vendors, partnerships, and the supporters of our company and each of us. We are also thankful to the wonderful resources and the opportunity to volunteer in an effort to support the community.
Business experiences and overall life experiences teach, develop, and guide us in our careers and our ability to help others. Consiliarium Group recognizes the constant changes that impact businesses and employees. We will continue to build upon our business model to assist in these changes, in addition, provide solutions and creative ideas to help employers recruit and retain their workforce.
2017 is your blank canvas- how will you paint the year?
Happy New Year!
Consiliarium Group
On Nov. 14, 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, issued an updated version of Form I-9: Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form). Under federal law, every employer that recruits, refers for a fee or hires an individual for employment in the United States must complete an I-9 Form.
After hard-fought campaigns by both candidates, Republican candidate Donald Trump has been elected the 45th president of the United States. Trump’s victory in the election, along with Republican majorities retained in both the Senate and House of Representatives, will likely have a significant impact on a number of compliance issues over the next four years.
During his campaign, Trump called for a repeal of President Barack Obama’s hallmark health care reform legislation, the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In addition, Trump’s victory raises uncertainty over the future of other policies enacted under President Obama, including the new overtime requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) recently released final versions of the 2016 Forms 1094-C and 1095-C and
associated instructions. These forms will be used in early 2017 by Applicable Large Employers (“ALEs”) to report whether
the ALE offered (or did not offer) a full-time employee (“FTE”) health insurance coverage during the calendar year.
Additionally, for ALEs with self-insured plans, these Forms reflect coverage provided under a self-insured group health
plan to individuals (FTEs and non-FTEs) during calendar year 2016. Generally, the forms and instructions are substantially
similar to their draft versions and the 2015 forms, with the exception of two new reporting codes, removal of certain
transition relief that is no longer available and additional clarifications contained in the instructions.