Compliance & legal
ACA (Affordable Care Act)
The 2010 federal law that restructured U.S. health insurance markets. Created the marketplace, mandated essential health benefits, ended pre-existing condition exclusions, established the employer shared responsibility provision, and introduced premium tax credits for income-qualifying households.Last reviewed: · TMRW Benefits is a benefits brokerage, not a tax or legal advisor. Consult a CPA or attorney for situation-specific guidance.
Related terms
Marketplace
ACA exchange where individuals shop for plans.
Read definitionESR (Employer Shared Responsibility)
ACA penalty rule for ALEs not offering affordable coverage.
Read definitionALE (Applicable Large Employer)
Employer with 50+ FTEs. Subject to ESR rules.
Read definitionPremium tax credit (PTC)
ACA subsidy reducing marketplace premiums for 100-400% FPL.
Read definitionMore in Compliance & legal
ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974)
Federal law governing most private-sector benefit plans.
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)
Continue group coverage up to 18-36 months after losing eligibility.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996)
Federal law protecting health information privacy.
Section 125 (Cafeteria plan)
IRS code allowing pre-tax benefits payments.
Premium-only plan (POP)
Simplest Section 125 plan. Pre-tax premiums only.
MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage)
Coverage level satisfying ACA mandate requirements.
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