The Affordable Care Act was enacted on March 23, 2010. It contains tax provisions that take effect this year and more that will be implemented during the next several years. The following is a list of provisions now in effect.

Medicare Part D Coverage Gap “donut hole” Rebate
The Affordable Care Act provides a one-time $250 rebate in 2010 to assist Medicare Part D recipients who have reached their Medicare drug plan’s coverage gap. This payment is not taxable. This payment is not made by the IRS.

Therapeutic Discovery Project Program
This program is designed to provide tax credits and grants to small firms that show significant potential to produce new and cost-saving therapies, support jobs and increase U.S. competitiveness. IRS guidance describes the process by which firms can apply to have their research projects certified as eligible for the credit or grant. Companies may submit applications for certification beginning June 21, 2010. Applications must be postmarked no later than July 21, 2010.

Learn more by reading the news release issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and our questions and answers.   

Small Business Health Care Tax Credit
This new credit helps small businesses and small tax-exempt organizations afford the cost of covering their employees and is specifically targeted for those with low- and moderate-income workers. The credit is designed to encourage small employers to offer health insurance coverage for the first time or maintain coverage they already have. In general, the credit is available to small employers that pay at least half the cost of single coverage for their employees.

Click here to learn more. 

Health Coverage for Older Children
Health coverage for an employee's children under 27 years of age is now generally tax-free to the employee. This expanded health care tax benefit applies to various work place and retiree health plans. These changes immediately allow employers with cafeteria plans –– plans that allow employees to choose from a menu of tax-free benefit options and cash or taxable benefits –– to permit employees to begin making pre-tax contributions to pay for this expanded benefit. This also applies to self-employed individuals who qualify for the self-employed health insurance deduction on their federal income tax return.

Learn more by reading this news release or this notice.

Additional Requirements for Tax-Exempt Hospitals
The Affordable Care Act adds requirements in the Internal Revenue Code that tax-exempt hospitals must meet to maintain their tax-exempt status. More information can be found in Notice 2010-39, which solicits written comments on the application of the new requirements. Comments must be submitted by July 22, 2010.

For More Information
For tips, fact sheets, questions and answers, videos and more, visit the IRS Affordable Care Act of 2010: News Releases, Multimedia and Legal Guidance page.

For more information, please contact your BC Engagement Executive or Ron Manse, CPA, Tax Partner and Director of the BC Healthcare and Nonprofit Services Group.