The Affordable Care Act (ACA) imposes a fee on health insurance issuers and plan sponsors of self-insured health plans to help fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). The PCORI fee is calculated based on the average number of lives covered under a policy or plan. The plan year-end determines the applicable rate for calculating PCORI fees. Attached is the applicable rate: PCORI Filing Due Dates and Applicable Rates*
*Please note: OCI is aware and has communicated to the IRS that the applicable rates reflected on the IRS webpage linked above (“PCORI Filing Due Dates and Applicable Rates”) have not been updated for this year. That said, our commitment is to provide you with this information in a timely manner so you can best serve your clients. Just know that the rates reflected are inaccurate and should be as follows:
- With a plan year ending before October 1, 2024: $3.22
- With a plan year ending on or after October 1, 2024, and before October 1, 2025: $3.47
PCORI fees are reported and paid annually using the attached “IRS Form 720” (Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return). These fees are generally due by July 31 of the year following the last day of the plan year. We’ve also included the “instructions” for filing Form 720.
Note: While the IRS webpage listing “PCORI Filing Due Dates and Applicable Rates” has not been updated, both Form 720 and the filing instructions linked above and found on the IRS website do reflect the correct, updated rates for this year.
This year, there are THREE counting methods the employer may choose from. Please refer to the attachment “Counting Method Regulations” for full details on each of the colored options. Choosing the right counting method could lead to the employer saving some money. You may find the use of the Snapshot Factor Method to be the simplest option.
- Actual Count Method
- Snapshot Method
- Form 5500 Method
Do not use the Snapshot Factor Method for HRA. Refer to the special counting rules in the regulations for HRA/FSA.
You may visit the IRS PCORI Website for additional information.
*Level-Funded or Self-Funded – the fee applies to all members enrolled, including employees, spouses, children, and COBRA participants.
**Fully Insured plans do not owe PCORI fees unless they have an HRA plan.
***HRA’s – the fee applies to the only employee enrolled in the HRA plan. DO NOT count spouses and children. DO count former employee COBRA participants.