Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tax penalty for not having health insurance?

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the penalty (Individual Shared Responsibility Fee) for not having coverage no longer applies for plans after 2019. You don’t need an exemption in order to avoid the penalty.

ARHS is required to report your election choice to the IRS, therefore, you must either make an election or waive health insurance. If you do not enroll for the current Plan Year, or do not waive coverage, you will automatically be enrolled in the Preferred Health Plan, Employee Only.

  • If you did not qualify for the Love Your Life premium discount, you will be enrolled at the non-Love Your Life premium rate.
  • If you did qualify for the Love Your Life premium discount, you will be enrolled at the Love Your Life discounted rate.

These elections will remain in effect for the entire plan year, unless there is a qualifying life event

If I elect to buy insurance on the ACA marketplace, am I eligible to receive tax credits or government subsidies?

No. Because ARHS offers health coverage that has been deemed “affordable” and “meets minimum value,” you are NOT eligible for a tax credit through the marketplace. In addition, any household members claimed on your annual tax return will not receive these credits.

Am I eligible for benefits through ARHS?

Full-time employees working 30 assigned hours per week are eligible for core and voluntary benefit coverage on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment. Part-time employees working 20 assigned hours per week are eligible for voluntary benefits on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment.
   Status & Benefits Eligibility Chart

Who else can my benefits cover?

If you are eligible and enrolled, you may also enroll your eligible dependents in your benefit plans. Your eligible dependents include:

  • Legal spouse
  • Natural child, adopted child (or child placed or adoption), foster child, step child or child for whom you have legal custody or legal guardianship, who is legally dependent on you for support
  • Children up to age 26 years old for health, dental and vision coverage.
  • Children 26 or more years old, primarily supported by you and incapable of self-sustaining employment or education by reason of mental or physical disability (proof of condition / dependents will be required)
  • Any child who is recognized under a qualified medical child support order.

When can I change my benefits?

You may only enroll, make changes or cancel benefits during our annual open enrollment period, or within 31 days of a Qualified Life Event, including:

  • Change in marital status
  • Loss of parental coverage at age 26
  • Loss of existing health coverage, including employer-based, individual, and student-based plans
  • Birth, adoption, or placement of a child
  • Change in dependent eligibility due to age
  • Change in employment status for employee or spouse
  • Death of spouse or dependent
  • Change in Medicare or Medicaid eligibility.

How can I save on health insurance or earn monetary incentives?

With our Employe Wellness Program (Love Your Life), you can save on your premiums AND earn monetary incentives based on activities and achievement of personal wellness goals.

What Core benefits are offered?

  • Preferred Health Plan and Health Savings Account
  • Rely MD Telemedicine
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Retirement 403(b) Plan
  • Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Group Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Tuition Reimbursement

What other voluntary benefits are offered?

  • Dental Plan
  • Vision Insurance
  • Auto & Home Insurance
  • Accident Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Whole Life Insurance
  • North Carolina’s National College Savings Program
  • Legal Insurance
  • Identity Theft