What Brokers Need to Know Before It Costs Their Clients Thousands
In today’s evolving benefits environment, brokers face mounting pressure to ensure their clients remain compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With workforce reforms gaining momentum and regulatory audits becoming more frequent, overlooking the intricacies of ACA regulations is no longer an option.
For brokers serving gig economy platforms, 1099 contractors, small businesses, or staffing agencies, the risks are especially high. Non-compliance can lead to substantial penalties, amounting to thousands of dollars for your clients—and missed revenue opportunities for your brokerage.
Staying ahead of the regulatory curve isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about safeguarding your clients’ stability and positioning your brokerage as a trusted advisor in a competitive market. The time to prioritize ACA compliance is now.
Why It Matters Now
Federal and state reforms are increasingly pushing for portable, usage-based benefits that better meet the needs of today’s diverse workforce. Legislation like the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is shifting responsibility onto platforms and employers to provide ACA-compliant plans—even for non-traditional workers.
This means many of your clients, including those who previously believed they were exempt, now face critical requirements such as:
- ACA filing requirements1
- Minimum essential coverage (MEC) mandates1
- Penalties for non-compliance1
And while the law hasn’t changed overnight, enforcement certainly has.
The Most Common Compliance Gaps
Many brokers mistakenly believe their small clients or 1099 workers are too insignificant to warrant benefits oversight. Unfortunately, these assumptions can be costly.
Some of the most common ACA compliance errors we see include:
- Failing to offer Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) to eligible workers2
- Incorrect documentation of coverage offers 2
- Missing 1095-C reporting deadlines3
- Providing plans that do not meet ACA minimum standards4
How to Keep Clients Compliant—and Covered
The Good News? You Don’t Need a Complete Overhaul to Ensure Compliance.
With Enrollment First, brokers can easily address ACA compliance challenges and provide valuable benefits without disrupting their existing operations. Our platform offers:
- Turnkey MEC solutions tailored for variable-hour and non-traditional workers
- ACA tracking and reporting tools via our intuitive eConnect platform
- Compliance checklists and training to help you avoid costly oversights
We simplify the complex, so you can focus on what you do best-selling. And your clients? They gain peace of mind knowing they’re covered with compliant benefits and a trusted advisor by their side.
Don’t Let Compliance Be an Afterthought
In today’s regulatory environment, brokers who proactively help clients avoid penalties will not only protect their clients but also win more business and strengthen trust.
So, the real question isn’t if ACA compliance matters — it’s how quickly you can help your clients stay ahead of the curve.
Are you ready to become your clients’ trusted compliance partner and lead the way in this evolving landscape?
Let’s talk!
📞Call: (865) 684-1030
[1] https://wiggamlaw.com/blog/aca-for-employers/
[4] https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/employers/minimum-value-and-affordability