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In This Issue
· Health Insurance Disclosure Responsibility (HIRD)
· Q&A on HIRD Forms
Answers to the most commonly asked questions from Employers
An Employer’s Checklist
Handbook for Implementation
Phone: (413) 443-5300
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Massachusetts businesses have a significant role to play in the implementation of the state’s landmark health care reform law, and there are many items for businesses to fulfill to maintain compliance with the new legislation. Rest assured that it is our mission at Scarafoni Financial Group to work with each of our clients to resolve any obstacles that would prevent compliance. As an update to our December 2007 seminar, here are the critical items regarding the Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure that Massachusetts employers must consider and act on, as it applies to their businesses.
Health Insurance Disclosure Responsibility (HIRD)
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What is an Employee HIRD form? A document signed by the Employer and Employee in the case where an employee declines to participate in either the employer-sponsored health insurance plans and/or the employer’s “Section 125 Cafeteria Plan” pre-tax purchasing agreement.
(copy of the HIRD Form issued by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, July 2007)
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Where can I find a copy of the Employee HIRD form? The form may be accessed at http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dhcfp/g/regs/employee_hird_form.pdf. A copy of the form has also been attached in this email, along with instructions as to how it should be completed.
Who do the Employee HIRD forms apply to? A HIRD form must be completed for any employee who waives participation in either employer-sponsored health insurance or a Section 125 Plan, and is completed each time the employee waives.
Which Employers are required to file Employee HIRD forms? Companies with 11 or more full-time equivalent employees during the period of each October 1 through September 30 are required to file HIRD forms. Click here for the official calculation as to whether you have 11 full-time equivalents. (See Question 2 “How do I know if I have 11 or more Full-Time Equivalents?”)
How does an Employer file the Employee HIRD forms? As we understand it, the information will most likely be submitted electronically. An administrative bulletin from the state with the filing instructions is forthcoming.
When are the Employee HIRD forms due? Signed employee HIRD forms must be obtained within 30 days following an open enrollment, or by September 30th of the reporting year.
What is the significance of the July 1, 2007 “deadline”? For open enrollment periods and new hires on and after July 1, 2007, the HIRD Form will apply for all waivers of participation. Also, for any employees who waived participation in the period from October 1, 2006 to July 1, 2007, a HIRD form should be completed and signed retroactively.
What if the Employee waiving coverage will not complete an Employee HIRD form? In the case where an employee fails to complete and sign the HIRD form, the employer must document good faith efforts to obtain the signed form, and keep that documentation for three years.
Should the Employee get a copy of their completed and signed Employee HIRD form? Yes.
Scarafoni Financial Group is Your Resource
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As the health care reform measures are converted into legislation, Scarafoni Financial Group is there to help you understand how the laws apply to you. Please call us at 413.443.5300 with any questions or concerns about your company’s status regarding compliance with the Massachusetts Health Care Reform laws. Matthew, Erik, Dennis and Ashley are specialists in this area and are ready to assist you.
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