JMU and the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
In 2013, the Commonwealth of Virginia adopted provisions that limits all state part-time employees to working no more than 29 hours per week, on average, over the course of 12 months (52 weeks). According to the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM), the amendment is necessary to ensure compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), commonly called the Affordable Care Act. As indicated by DHRM, the state health plan currently does not permit participation by wage employees.
Under the Affordable Care Act, employers must identify a “look back” period (measurement period) in order to determine which employees will meet the Act’s definition of “full-time employee”, and must be offered healthcare coverage in order to avoid significant tax penalties. The Commonwealth of Virginia has determined the measurement period to be May 1 through April 30 of the following year.
JMU is not authorized to grant exceptions to the 1500-hour maximum. No exceptions will be approved. The responsibility to plan, schedule and track part-time work falls to the employee and the hiring department with oversight and support provided by the Provost’s Office, Student Employment, and Human Resources. Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in penalties for the employee and the employer.
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