Below are answers to a few frequently asked questions:
Do guest workers “count” for purpose of healthcare reform?
Yes. The rights and obligations set forth in healthcare reform generally apply to all U.S. citizens and individuals who are lawfully present in the U.S. Guest workers "count" for purposes of the various rights and obligations under healthcare reform. There are no explicit exceptions for guest workers.
Are guest workers subject to healthcare reforms individual mandate?
Yes. Beginning in 2014, all U.S. citizens and individuals lawfully present in the U.S. must maintain minimum essential health coverage or else pay a penalty tax. In 2014, the annual penalty tax is generally $95 or, if greater, 1 percent of the individual's household income above the tax return filing threshold. For 2015 and 2016, the annual penalty amounts / income percentages increase to $325 / 2 percent and $695 / 2.5 percent, respectively.
For 2017 and beyond, the annual penalty will increase based upon increases in the cost of living. One-twelfth of the annual penalty tax will be imposed for each month during which an individual does not maintain minimum essential health coverage. For each month during a guest worker is lawfully present in the U.S., the guest worker will be subject to the individual mandate penalty tax if he or she does not maintain minimum essential health coverage during such month. The penalty tax will be imposed and paid when the guest worker files his or her federal personal income tax return.
Can guest workers buy health insurance coverage through the government insurance exchanges?
Yes. Exchange coverage is available to all U.S. citizens and individuals lawfully present in the U.S. If a guest worker is expected to have U.S. household income of not more than 400 percent of the applicable federal poverty level, the guest worker should be eligible for tax subsidies to help cover the cost of exchange coverage.
Do guest workers “count” as employees for purposes of the employer mandate?
Yes. There are no blanket exceptions for guest workers. The employer mandate applies to all full-time employees. The issue with respect to guest workers is whether they will qualify as “full-time employees,” given the limited and temporary nature of their work.
This article was edited by southeastfarmpress.com for length from an original article provided by the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. It’s a complicated issue, but this article just might help. The article cannot substitute for the advice of your own legal and tax professionals.