by Sandy Wood, GHB Agent and Compliance Consultant

The PCORI fee is mandated under the Affordable Care Act, with collected fees going to the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.  Payment is due to the government by the end of July each year.

Who pays the fee depends on the type of medical program(s) offered. For fully Insured medical plans, your insurance carrier pays the fee. The employer is responsible, however, if the medical plan is self-funded (including partially self-funded and level-funded plans).

In addition, some FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangements) programs fall under the requirements – and if so, the employer must pay the fee.

If your company is responsible for the PCORI fee, you will need to submit Form 720 directly to the IRS. This year, you’ll need to pay either $2.08 or $2.17 per member for the year, depending on the date your policy ended during the 2015 calendar year.

 For more information about the Institute, FSA and HRA plans subject to the fee, and to determine your fee, you can download GHB’s updated handout on the fee HERE.

Questions?  Let me know. My email is Sandy@GHBInsurance.com.

Or, contact your GHB agent or service representative at (360) 943-4500 or (800) 789-5011.